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The first book printed featuring photographic images was made in 1843 by Anna Atkins, an English botanist, and photographer. Atkins pioneered the use of the cyanotype process to capture images of algae, ferns, flowers, and other plants. Cyanotype, also known as sun prints, is a camera-less photographic printing process that allows the artist to explore shape, light, and an appreciation of nature. In this class, students will learn the history of this process, use the sun as a UV light source, and create cyanotypes with plant materials harvested from Mt. Cuba Center. No prior experience is necessary; all supplies are provided. This class includes walking in and out of the classroom to expose prints to sunlight. Wear dark clothes as materials may stain.
This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, July 8, 2023, rescheduled from the original June 24 date due to rain.
About the Instructor:
Shelly Silva holds a BFA in Fine Art Photography from Corcoran College of Art + Design, an MS in Management from Wilmington University, and a Level II Award in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). When Shelly is not teaching others about botanical cyanotypes or wine, she works as a digital communications specialist at the University of Delaware. She enjoys teaching people about the connections between nature, art, and the process of art making.
COVID-19 Safety
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