Cyanotype

The Cyanotype process, named for its rather obvious cyan appearance, was pioneered by Sir John Herschel in 1842.
The rather simple process involved using 2 chemicals
1) Ammonium iron (III) citrate and
2) Potassium ferricyanide
A solution of these 2 chemicals would be poured over any substance capable of retaining the iron solution, typically this meant using watercolour paper. The paper would then be allowed to dry, and when dried became ready for exposure. Ideal subjects for cyanotype photography were flat objects that could simply be placed on top of the treated paper, weighted down with glass, and left out in the sun to expose for 10-20 minutes. After the paper has turned noticably blue-grey, the paper would then be washed in water to remove the unreacted iron solution and then left to dry, and the print was then complete.

The primary advantage of cyanotype was its ease and simplicity, which made it ideal for making multiple copies of a subject. Engineers made significant use of this process to make large copies of plans, and the aptly named "blueprint" was born.




















Algae - Anna Atkins 1843

References

• Wikipedia 2009, Cyanotype, viewed 6 August 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyanotype
• Wikipedia 2009, John Herschel, viewed 6 August 2009 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Herschel
  
• Photography.com 2009, Cyanotype, viewed 6 August 2009 http://www.photography.com/articles/history/cyanotype/
  

Jabberwocky

GOAD NMA Assignment

The feature that appealed to me most in the GOAD is the Eucalyptus white ghost gums pictured above. I guess this feature appeals to me most because I love the Aussie bushland, and having the (perhaps poorly thought out) name Garden of Australian Dreams in my head made me think about how one day I would love to have my own house out in the bushland, my own personal dream place.

The reference here is pretty clear, the connection to Australian bushland scenery rather obvious.















I believe Richard Weller included this area in the GOAD because it is a quintessential piece of Australian identity. Our landscapes are world famous for their beauty and the humble eucalyptus tree is a significant part of that image.

I believe the GOAD is considered postmodern simply because it draws its design aesthetics from many different things, with nothing being truly original.

Random photo

Yes I know this shot is a cliche but I decided to put a photographic spin on it by using a circular polarizer instead of a ring, quite like how it turned out. I love my 5D :D

Dadadadadadadada

The poem
Diesel reunites Hazzard 2001 the a this brain Dukes and for vintage the model in no racer sequels Walker Furious street original Paul in is time since cells the new watching the and action Vin retread Fast tagline is of are but the third plot which harmed the ride parts thrill of the the first

The photomontage
The statement
This is not for you, nor is it for me. Why you ask, and I respond with silence. Shift uncomfortably because you should. Dada is then, and now, but never. Forward unto the breach. The texture of paper and red ink combine unceremoniously. Justification ends next line...

Bauhaus Assignment

Logitech V20 Laptop Speakers

I have these nifty little laptop speakers in front of me so often but I rarely look at them. Most likely, I believe this is due to their subdued and rather basic yet clean cut and well thought design. The complete lack of extra ornamentation also lends a very Bauhaus feel to its design. These speakers were designed with pure function in mind.

A prevailing element of Bauhaus design is the use of modern materials, with these speakers featuring hard plastic for its outer shell, and a metal grille protecting the speakers.

The speakers are approximately 16cm (H) x 8cm (W) x 4cm (D)

NPG : Portrait Prize

It was pretty cool going to see the 2009 National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition and overall I was impressed with what i saw.
However, I was (like many others) not so impressed with the portrait that won.
So as per the assignment, I picked the portrait that I believe is a more deserving winner.

Treaties for madmen only
Matthew Regan 2008



















The fascinating sunset colours and the rather dry expression really sell this portrait to me. I like the way the tree on the left almost frames the man, or at least prevents our eye drifting off the page and pushes it back to the important subject matter. The out of the ordinary idea of having a man in a suit out in the middle of nowhere reading the paper also grabbed me as intriguing, as i would associate that more with the typical white collar man having his morning coffee at a cafe on the corner before heading to the office. A great concept and execution.

Ok, as I mentioned before I wasn't terribly impressed with the winner. That being said, I could see that it was a technically well executed piece and still deserved its place in the exhibition. There were other portraits though that I feel had no place there, with the most unworthy (sorry couldn't pick a nicer word) piece being;

George and Donny
Justin Spiers 2008



















To be completely blunt, I got quite angry looking at this portrait for one simple reason, the dog in the cage. This portrait to me seems to condone animal cruelty, and that makes you lower than... something I won't post on this blog. This is more than enough reason for me to say I think this portrait has no place in the exhibition.