Laura Kay Keeling: Behind the Scenes
"I’ve really enjoyed creating these floral portraits (as I like to think of them) through a process of reflection and discovery."
THE PROCESS
A cyanotype is the product of a printing process that produces an image without a camera. It involves creating a UV light sensitive mixture from a few chemicals, and then spreading that mixture onto a piece of paper. The artist then places objects on the treated paper and exposes the pages to sunlight. The chemical treatment of the paper causes the rays to turn it a deep blue while the objects block the light, leaving a white trace and producing a camera-less image.
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Attention history buffs! Interested in learning more? Check out this info rich page from Alternative Photography.
"I utilize dried florals and leaves from my archive, as well as flowers, petals etc"
The cyanotypes were then scanned and printed on luxurious, high quality silk, stretched over wooden bars, and finished with gorgeous printed paper to make them completely ready to hang. Cyanotypes are naturally light sensitive pieces (even after fixing) meaning that they’re more prone to fading than other prints. By reproducing them in this format, the artist has prolonged their lives to be enjoyed for years to come.
IN THE (OUTDOOR) STUDIO
"Though there is a method and a process to follow while creating cyanotypes, I also like that there is some flexibility and ability to trust your instincts."
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Laura Kay Keeling is a Toronto-based artist whose work encompasses analog photography, video, collage and installation-based projects. Her work explores the way we form connections with each other and nature.
She explores and unpacks emotions through the creation of new work, while examining concepts related to “the visitor” as spoken about in Rumi’s Poem ‘The Guest House’. Laura feels very connected to and at peace in nature; her new works explore ideas relating to plant sentience and reciprocal care. Her considerations include methods of capturing and cherishing memories and moments in time while considering elements related to reciprocal care, in how one might interact and engage with other humans, plants / animals as well as how the artist cares for materials throughout the creation of artistic works.