Bailey Russel, this year’s Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Artist in Residence, will host a cyanotype art workshop on August 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center.
This is a public introductory workshop, free to attend. Priority will be given to the first 20 participants and all materials will be provided.
Russel will share his knowledge of the artistic process and participants will be able to create their own cyanotype pieces. This involves placing a pre-coated paper or cloth with a plant/natural element on it, placing a plexiglass on top and leaving it in the sun for about 10 minutes. Finally, the piece is washed in a cyanotype solution. The end result is a beautiful and naturally created piece of art that participants can take home.
Cyanotypes are a quick, inexpensive and easy way to create photographic artwork in nature. All you need is pre-coated paper or fabric, sun, water and collected leaves or flowers. Invented by Sir John Hershel in the 1840s, cyanotype is a slow photographic process that uses the light-sensitive properties of iron salts. The process is inexpensive and non-toxic and has been used ever since to print blueprints and artistic prints of all kinds.
The Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources Artist in Residence program is a 10-day road trip that takes place in August. During his residency, Russel will visit Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site, Buffalo Bill State Park, and Sinks Canyon State Park, and take day trips to Hot Springs State Park, South Pass City, and Independence Rock State Historic Site. Russel’s residency will conclude in November with an exhibition at the Wyoming State Museum showcasing work created during the residency.
