The Blue Project – Contact Printing Frame

I designed a plan for my contact print frame using Visio. In order to make this split screen contact print frame I need the following:

• Glass Sheet 13″ x 19″ (A3+) (edges dressed so that they are not sharp)
• 2 x Sheet MDF (15mm) 13″ x 9 1/2″
• 2 x Blass Flat Hinges 3″ x 2″
• 1 x Rubber Sheet (3mm) 13″ x 19″ (A3+)
• 4 x Metal Spring Clips 4″

Contact Frame Plan

So far I have ordered and received the rubber sheet and spring clips. It is my aim to source the glass, MDF and hinges from a local hardware store. Once constructed this frame will be able to accommodate paper up to and including A3 in size.

The Blue Project – Cyanotype Requirements

Experimental Photography – A Handbook Of Techniques has been a great source of information relating to creating sensitizing solutions for relating various solar photogram and contact printing methods. This includes creating Cyanotypes which is my intended medium for this particular project.

In order to try this method  I need the following:

• 8oz (227g) of Ferric Ammonium Citrate Green
• 8oz (227g) of Potassium Ferricyanide
• 3 x 500ml Amber Bottles (Solution A, Solution B & Sensitizer Mix)
• 600ml Glass Beaker
• 200g Electronic Scales
• Glass Stirring Rods
• Plastic Funnels
• Foam Brushes
• Working Trays (probably use takeaway / food tubs)
• Art Paper
• Matt Postcards
• Storage Box
• Light Proof Bags (for the papers once sensitized)
• Gloves (Nitrile) XL
• Distilled Water
• Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
• Contact Printing Frame (will make)
• Source of Ultraviolet Radiation (Sun or possibly a 2nd hand UV Sun Lamp)

I have ordered the above and most has already arrived and now together in a decent sized plastic storage box. I am constructing a split contact printing frame using the plans in the book. This frame will be able to accommodate paper up to and including A3 in size.

Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used in this process are shown below:

Ferric Ammonium Citrate Safety Data Sheet

Potassium Ferricyanide Safety Data Sheet

Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Safety Data Sheet

The Blue Project – Introduction

Whilst stuck on Assignment Three I have been musing over, researching and doing some work towards a longer term project that may well take a great deal of time (and energy) beyond EYV.

I have been taken with the idea of producing cyanotypes for quite some time and have been researching into the methods and technical details of what is required. I have found a great deal of useful information online and have sourced a rather excellent book:

Experimental Photography – A Handbook Of Techniques

Thames & Hudson

ISBN-10: 0500544379

ISBN-13: 978-0500544372

This book covers the chemistry and techniques of most early sensitizing and development methods including Cyanotypes.

My idea for this project centres around:

• Sadness
• Depression
• Suicide
• Self Harm

Blue being a colour strongly associated with the above, I thought that Cyanotypes would be a good medium to reinforce my project theme. These items could include but are not limited to the following:

• Razor Blades
• Knives
• Pills
• Rope
• Belt
• Train Tracks
• High Point
• Car Exhaust
• Gunshot
• Drowning
• Fire
• Crash
• Electrocution
• Poison