This 2-hour workshop invites participants to learn the process of cyanotype; learning how to make prints using the power of the sun. During the workshop participants will embark on a short group walk around the grounds that surround Gray’s School of Art whereby a mix of natural materials will be sourced, later used to make prints.
The workshop invites participants to think about different ways to map journeys and document line and shape.
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that involves an object placed onto chemically treated paper, before being exposing to a source of UV light.
At the start of this workshop, examples of cyanotype prints will be shared and participants will be taught how to coat paper with a premixed chemical solution which will be left to dry before everyone ventures outdoors.
Participants will explore the grounds of Gray’s School of Art in the search for natural materials to later print. During the walk, the group will use a piece of string to collectively ‘map’ their journey across the exterior grounds whilst stopping to collect foliage/items to print along the way. Participants will be asked to plan and layout a collective artwork using the materials found.
Participants will be asked to set up their prints side by side and will be asked to work together to lay string across each of their pieces during the process of exposure.
Cyanotype can be an unpredictable medium, this can allow space for experimentation and spontaneity. With participants working through different materials and arrangements, the workshop will introduce conversations around collective mapping, line as journey and cyanotype as a tool for art and documentation.
Once work has been exposed to sunlight, contributors will be taught how to develop their cyanotype prints by rinsing and drying each individual print. Following this, participants are asked to reflect on the work created.
Afterwards, each participant will have their own print to take home as well as additional sheets of coated paper to take away to aid further experimentation independently.
Disclaimer
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus over 2 hours. The same workshop will run twice during the day for a different group of participants, giving you the choice of time to take part.
There are no scheduled breaks during the workshop. Participants are asked to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Participants are asked to prepare for outdoor activity. We recommend bringing sunscreen to protect from sunburn and a jacket to wear in case of rain.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 in the group.
- 2 hours of teaching in total at 10:00 - 12:00 or 13:30 - 15:30.
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Caitlin Dick
Caitlin is a visual artist based in Aberdeen with extensive experience running creative workshops with adults and children for organisations such as Cove Park, Creative Learning, The Barn and Aberdeen Arts Centre. Her practice is inspired by nature, utilising sculpture, film and printmaking to realise her ideas. The artist focuses on the intersections between man and the environment. Specifically, she likes to concentrate on the minuscule, the microscopic and parts of nature we overlook. Caitlin graduated from Gray’s School of Art in 2017 following which she completed a master’s at Edinburgh College of Art in 2018.
Phoebe McBride
Phoebe is a multidisciplinary visual artist and creative practitioner based in Aberdeen, Scotland. She has facilitated a wide range of workshops with organisations such as Peacock & the Worm and The Barn Arts. Her practice is involved in using fiction as a method to explore real, imagined and inaccessible spaces. Currently her research is interested in the role of fiction in grief-work and navigating ecological loss. The Artist’s recent works include On Becoming a Water Bat: echoes of an unseen world which is an online moving image commission for LUX Scotland. Also, Through Smoke and Varnish, a multimedia installation which was exhibited as part of Aberdeen Performing Arts Wonderland Festival. Phoebe holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Painting and Printmaking which she obtained from Glasgow School of Art in 2017.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
This workshop is suitable for beginners to intermediate level.
Required Age
Students are required to be at least 11 years of age on the day of the workshop.
The workshop is aimed at young creatives aged between 11-15 years old.
For Academic Year 2022/2023
Course fee: £30 per person for the course.
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to workshop date.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Course Cancellation
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.