‘What’s In My Bag’ Cyanotype Workshop - Year 11 Visual Arts

In a dazzling blend of science and art, Year 11 Visual Arts students participated in an innovative workshop during Week 10, exploring the fascinating world of cyanotypes. This unique tutorial, designed to ignite creativity and prepare them for their Year 12 HSC Body of Work, introduced students to a historic photographic printing process that uses sunlight to create stunning blue and white images.

The workshop's theme, “What’s In My Bag,” challenged students to think about the personal objects they carry with them every day and transform them into works of art. From keys and earphones to wallets and pens, these mundane items became the subject of their creative exploration. Using a special light-sensitive solution painted onto a fabric tote bag, students carefully arranged their chosen objects, which acted as stencils to block the sunlight. The magic happened when the bags were exposed to the sun; the areas exposed to UV light turned a deep Prussian blue, while the covered areas remained white.

After a quick rinse in water, the images were revealed in all their detail. The result was a series of unique, personal, and visually striking tote bags, each telling a story about its creator. The workshop provided a hands-on experience with a new medium, expanding the students' understanding of contemporary and historical art practices.

This session was not just about making a beautiful bag; it was a crucial step in preparing the students for the rigorous demands of their final year. The HSC Body of Work requires students to explore and experiment with different mediums to develop a cohesive and powerful series of artworks. By learning the cyanotype process, students now have another tool in their artistic toolkit, a medium that bridges photography, sculpture, and painting.

The success of the workshop highlights the importance of providing students with opportunities to push beyond traditional boundaries and embrace new creative processes. The final pieces were a testament to their ingenuity and artistic flair, and a promising preview of the innovative work we can expect from these students in the year to come.