SPALENKA EYE
Melding Lost Arts with New Visions
Recently I have been exploring historical photographic techniques.
The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process, was first introduced by John Herschel (1792 – 1871) in 1842.
In the early days the paper was coated with iron salts and then used in contact printing. The print was developed in the sun or using ultraviolet light, then the paper was washed in water and resulted in a white image on a deep blue background.
The Salt Print technique was created in the mid-1830s by English scientist and inventor Henry Fox Talbot. He made what he called "sensitive paper" for "photogenic drawing" by wetting a sheet of writing paper with a weak solution of ordinary table salt (sodium chloride), blotting and drying it, then brushing one side with a strong solution of silver nitrate.
The final print will have a sepia toned color. Applying the emulsion to the paper in different ways can create interesting textures. Depending on how long your exposure of the paper is to sunlight, will determine how dark, light or contrasty the print will be.
Above is a digital negative under plexiglass exposing the paper beneath it to the sun.
Above is an experiment in progress. My goal is to fuse drawing, painting, and digital esthetics with the photography world of the past, thereby bridging lost arts with new visions.
Developing the cyanotype with water.
Celebrating Eve
Eve Villa Neuhart, SX70 Polaroid, early 2000’s. Eve Villa Neuhart is my stepdaughter. It is her birthday today and so wanted to celebrate her as an art spirit that inspired and helped me with many of my artworks as … Continue reading
Mercurial Waters
MERCURIAL WATERS. Graphite on board. I am making personal drawings of an alchemical nature for the patrons who are supporting Memory of a Cosmic Heart. You can hear a rough mix of some of the music I wrote with Rob … Continue reading
Model Pageantry Overview
I have been honored and blessed to create art with loving, talented people in the service of the art spirit. I thank all of the beautiful souls who have helped me bring more beauty and grace to our world. Onward … Continue reading
Model Pageantry VIII
Model- Ashley Hackett for, “Chakra Goddess” (detail). From the moment I met her it was clear Ashley would make a great model. Conceptually, I wanted to explore some eastern indian sculptural qualities I felt she would be perfect for. “Chakra Goddess” … Continue reading
Model Pageantry VII
Model- Isabelle Howell for Roxana Illuminated Perfume. I designed a photoshoot around Isabelle Howell and Kellie Bryant (both Waldorf Highland Hall graduates) for Mona Wells plant dyed fashions, as well as Roxana Illuminated Perfume. These two young women melded perfectly … Continue reading
Model Pageantry VI
Blue Savanah, Model Savanah Paige Kerwin, for Roxana Illuminated Perfume I had one photoshoot with Savanah but the amount of inspiration I have been able to glean from that one session has been amazing. She was a receptionist at my … Continue reading
Model Pageantry V
Queen I, Model- Sophie Fletcher This post continues my celebration of people that have modeled for me throughout my art career. Click on the images to see them larger. Sophie Fletcher has a sweet natural demeanor which translates into exotic realism. Elegant … Continue reading
Model Pageantry IV
Michaelmas Mastery– Showcased in Spectrum 24, The Best of Contemporary Fantastic Art. Model- Stevie Morley This post continues my celebration of people that have modeled for me throughout my art career. Click on the images to see them larger. Raw reference … Continue reading
Model Pageantry III - Jessica Lough
Noir, Model- Jessica Lough This post continues my celebration of people that have modeled for me throughout my art career. Click on the images to see them larger. “Nefertiti’s Dream” is inspired by the Noir art. Nefertiti means “the beautiful one … Continue reading