Cyanotypes
“Watching water move is like the invisible character of time passing becoming visible.” Tanya Kovats
I am interested in water, the concept of time, and how time can be exemplified by place.
The cyanotype is a camera-less photographic process, originally used to make copies of architectural drawings and plans, called “blueprints”, long before today’s reproduction methods were invented. I use the cyanotype process to create environmental portraits of rivers and waterways.
These cyanotypes were made in the small streams which flow from the surrounding hills into Akaroa Harbour. They were made outside, in the stream water, exposed in sunlight and washed in the sea.
All on hot pressed paper, 445mm x 1064mm
Akaroa Harbour
Unique Cyanotype #91 Wainui Stream, 2024
Unique Cyanotype #95 Duvauchelle Stream, 2024
Unique Cyanotype #97 Alymers Stream, 2024
Unique Cyanotype #99 Takamatua Stream, 2024
Unique Cyanotype #101 Balguerie Stream, 2024
Unique Cyanotype #103 Onuku Stream, 2024
These cyanotypes are large (710 x 2286 mm), double sided, on hot pressed paper. They were made in the cold and swift river water, exposed on the rocky banks, washed in the river and dried where they were exposed. Making them is physically demanding, requiring care with the paper in the water, timing and patience as they develop in the sun’s UV light.
Braided rivers are globally rare and significant. There are 163 in New Zealand, with 60% located in Canterbury. They are the genesis of the Canterbury Plains. These dynamic river systems hold cultural importance for local Māori. I believe they should be protected not only for their economic contribution to the region but also for their intrinsic value.
Braided Rivers of Canterbury
Unique Cyanotype, Waimakariri River, 2022
Unique Cyanotype, Hurunui, 2022
Unique Cyanotype, Waipara River, 2022
Unique Cyanotype, Rakaia River, 2022
Unique Cyanotype, Ashley Rakahuri River, 2022
Unique Cyanotype, Ashburton Hakatere River, 2022
Cyanotypes on Handmade Paper
A series of A3 size cyanotypes made on my own handmade paper (recycled vintage cotton) with water gathered from the Hurunui River in North Canterbury. The paper is unsized and therefore absorbed a lot of solution. It is incredibly fragile when wet, and almost disintegrated during washing. The resulting series shows many variations of blues, and textural interest. The darkest blues are velvet-like. The pieces are reversible and slightly different on each face. The notion of the fragility of the paper reflects the fragility of the river. All pieces are slightly cockled and have crinkly lines which remind me of a landscape. The deckle edge adds an authentic handmade aesthetic.
Installation View