The Art of the Cyanotype With Kim Arthurs - Inside Art with Michael Rose

The Art of the Cyanotype With Kim Arthurs - Inside Art with Michael Rose

 

Although photographic processes are common today, there is still an element of magic to them. For local artist Kim Arthurs that quality is central. In their studio, their garden, and in other outdoor spots, Arthurs utilizes the historic cyanotype technique to create vibrant botanical images that celebrate science and nature in vivid blue tones.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

Originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts, Arthurs earned their BFA in Creative Writing and English with a concentration in Screenwriting from the University of Maine Farmington in 2016. They pair a career in coffee roasting with an interest in food science and fermentation. Arthurs is a self-taught artist who has learned much from trial and error. Through practice, they have developed remarkable skills in creating lush cyanotype artworks. Their work has been featured in recent exhibitions at Small Format on Wickenden Street as well as at the Providence Public Library, where they recently hosted an engaging demonstration of their process.

 

 

Speaking of being an artist in Rhode Island, Arthurs is effusive and says, “When I first moved from my hometown, Plymouth, to Providence in 2020, I remember feeling like I found my home. I was at the will of nature and its elements then too, because only a few days after moving in, everything shut down due to the pandemic. It took a few years to finally start exploring this state and its huge art, music, and food scene, but when I did, my love for Providence bloomed all over again. Rhode Island is a beautiful state, and it's important for me to balance easy access to nature, as well as urban excitement, while being anchored in such a rich and layered community. To be an artist based in Rhode Island means to be home. I am happy to explore Rhode Island's woods, trails, bike paths, and beaches, to make art with Rhode Island botanicals, and to share it with the Rhode Island art community that has shown up with enthusiasm when I have had the opportunity to share my work.”

 

Arthurs makes cyanotypes by photosensitizing paper with special chemicals and then overlaying that substrate with opaque materials including things like ferns and flowers. By exposing the paper under natural light or using a UV lamp, it transforms. Silhouettes of leaves and stems are offset against cool backdrops.

 

 

Describing the art form, Arthurs explains, “The cyanotype process is an appealing art form for so many reasons. A cyanotype is a historic, camera-less photographic blueprinting process that was discovered in 1842. It uses light-sensitive iron salts that can print a negative when exposed to ultraviolet light, such as the sun. My favorite part of the cyanotype process is the blend of chemistry and artistic expression and its celebration of the elements. When I make a cyanotype, I use locally foraged Rhode Island botanicals from the woods, beach, and my garden (earth) to create my composition, I use the sun (fire) to print it, water to develop it, and air to dry it. It's a really fun way to transform a familiar botanical into a piece of artwork, and it often requires surrendering control, to a degree. You don't always know how the cyanotype composition will turn out in the end, which is an exciting journey, and when you print using sunlight, you are surrendering control to the will of the sun and the elements of nature. I like working in, and with nature, so this elemental art process deeply resonates with me.

 

 

The resulting artworks are rich, mesmerizing, and full of character. Sharply focused, they give viewers an appreciation for minute details of the natural world. Arthurs also enhances the cyanotype tradition through innovative use of collage and text as well.

 

Arthurs maintains a busy artistic practice alongside their day job and other projects. They will be participating in a demonstration of their process at the Revive the Roots’ Rootstock event on September 22 at 374 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. Arthurs will be at the Tansy Tent from 1:00-1:45pm. They were also juried into Knock on Wood, an upcoming exhibition at the Bristol Art Museum beginning September 23. An active artist with a passion for process, Arthurs deserves attention for their expertise and creativity.

 

 

Looking forward, Arthurs is excited about creating community and says of their future plans, “Lately, I have been channeling a lot of energy into community art-making, hosting cyanotype workshops with local business owners/farmers/botanists and organizing collaborative community collages. I am hoping to grow my art collection, and host more of these workshops over the next year, and share the fun and magic of the cyanotype process with anyone interested in learning.”

 

Learn more about Kim Arthurs’ work at their website www.moonersmakes.com or by following them on Instagram at @moonersmakes.