Print Archive
In the Renewal series, I delve into the realm of cyanotype prints, drawing inspiration from Kintsugi, the venerable Japanese art of mending broken pottery. Kintsugi is not merely a technique; it's a philosophical journey of honoring imperfections, where the cracks and breaks of an object are celebrated and highlighted, rather than hidden, using powdered gold. This approach resonates deeply with my artistic vision—finding beauty in the flawed and the transient.
My process began with cyanotypes that, by conventional standards, would be deemed flawed or ruined. Developed under accidental and inconsistent conditions, these prints carry with them the marks of unpredictability. Embracing their imperfections, I engaged in a meticulous process of chin colle, a method requiring a delicate touch and keen eye, to piece these cyanotypes together. This act of joining fragmented pieces by hand is a meditative practice, echoing the careful repair work of Kintsugi artisans.
Once reassembled into a cohesive image, I ventured into a further layer of transformation. I experimented with applying gold inks to the cyanotypes, a nod to the gold leaf application central to Kintsugi. This step was not just about aesthetic enhancement; it was a symbolic act of imbuing these "broken" pieces with new life and value. The gold traces, meandering through the prints, do more than just bind the pieces—they create a visual and conceptual dialogue about resilience, restoration, and the inherent beauty in embracing and showcasing imperfections.
Through this series, I aim to challenge traditional perceptions of damage and repair, urging viewers to find harmony and beauty in the unexpected and the imperfect. These cyanotype Kintsugi works are not just art pieces; they are visual metaphors for life's unpredictable journey, reminding us that there is profound beauty in embracing our scars and stories.
