FEMME: Lines of desire collection
I have edited 45 photographs, inverted and added a red tone so that they can printed into OHP film and used to create an image that combines wet Cyanotype with jacquard Solar fast dye to produce a photogram image.
These images form the basis of the Femme Collection and are entitled ‘Lines of desire’. The Femme collection, to which these prints belong, work with issues about modern female empowerment, acts of submission, male dominance and control. They are intended to speak to how power is contained, used and expressed in intimate relationships, in society, throughout history and give voice to modern women’s attitude to power and freedom.
The next step will be to arrange the compositions that include OHP film, including maps of terrain, pressed flowers/leaves and stones. Not all of the negatives will be used in this collection. I will also consider using different solutions such as natural acids and salt. This will be applied to a et cynotype base.
Each image should be exposed for around 10 minutes but the solution is always light tested to check exposure times.
After exposure, each paper is rinsed for 10 minutes in water and then stretched using gummed paper. I am using watercolour paper rather than Japanese Kozo, for these prints. Each print will then be left to dry in a dark place to develop over night.
Once dry, I will add Solar fast colours. The images may be finished with gilding to accentuate certain aspects of the images. I need to work on some sketch compositions to decide how to combine various colours. I usually work with just Cyanotype. They may, or may not, be effective.
Note: The work is based on the theme of women’s freedoms and empowerment.
