Cyanotypes ~ A talk by Ashleigh Ellis

Leading up to her 3 module strong upcoming online workshop in 2025 at the Academy, Ashleigh kindly agreed to introduce her course and her work with a free talk and Q&A on the 20th of November 2024 at 6.30pm (GMT) >> RSVP HERE

So, What Is Cyanotype?

Cyanotype is an elemental process of printing on paper and fabric. It works with the energy of the sun, water, and UV sensitive iron salts to create stunning blue prints. It is considered the safest photographic process for the environment and health, and no camera or darkroom is needed. Photographic negatives, natural forms, objects and textures can be printed onto porous surfaces, making it a highly versatile and creative process. Effects can be introduced by ‘breaking the rules’, and the colour shifts available from adding plant pigments are almost limitless. 

About Ashleigh

Ashleigh Ellis is a multidisciplinary eco artist based in Cork, Ireland. Her practice explores life affirming reflection, and creative processes to deepen the relationships between people and the more-than-human world. Her work is multidisciplinary, often encompassing the plant world, residue of processes, ethnobotany, and participatory elements. Having studied with Jennifer Lienhard, Ashley Walker & Susan Dye among others, she has expert skills in natural dyeing and pigment making, and has spent years running community projects growing dye plants. She is a member of Sample Studios artist collective in Cork and works part time for Helium Arts. She studied ecoliteracy with Haumea Ecoversity (2022), earned a Masters in Education  from the Open University (2017), and has  been awarded a Participatory Arts Bursary (Arts Council Ireland, 2023), Artist in Context Award (Cork City Council, 2022), and Artist in the Community Award (Create, 2021).