About Cyanotypes and Suzi

Cyanotype is one of the earliest photographic techniques (1842). This cameraless form of photography has remained mostly unchanged since its invention. Astronomer John Herschel discovered that when he coated paper with a combination of red iron salt (potassium ferricyanide) and a light-sensitive iron salt (ferric ammonium citrate) and then exposed it to the sun, he could make copies of his scientific notes and drawings. For about 150 years, architects and engineers used this same process to create blueprints of their designs. The term “blueprint” comes from the Prussian blue color that is a cyanotype. This process is also known as sun printing because the iron salts are sensitive to UV light, aka the sun.

My artwork celebrates the environment by combining elements from nature and repurposed materials. I use native wildflowers and other objects I find in nature to create my cyanotypes. In addition, I show my love for nature by repurposing materials for my art. I often use vintage fabrics, papers, and metal as the substrates and framing for my cyanotypes. My goal is to give new life to old goods through creative reuse.

If you want to see more of my work, please follow me https://www.instagram.com/suzihyden

If you would like to schedule a workshop or arrange a commission, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at susanhyden2@gmail.com

Please let me know your thoughts about my exhibition by leaving a comment below.