FLORA, FAUNA & FORTITUDE (LOVE LETTER TO MARIA MERIAN) - Framed

Original Cyanotype, 3D paper cut, multi layered collage, handmade paper.

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Maria Sibylla Merian, a pioneer in art, science, and business. From an early age Merian was an accomplished painter of flowers and insects and an entomologist, possessing a great ability to move between art and science. Fusing artistic endeavour and nature observation, her fascinating paintings defied Victorian categorisation. They are a fitting monument to such an unusual figure whose life, too, was a blaze of colour making her one of the greatest artist‑naturalists of her time.

Technique
This artwork was was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture and photograms and photographs of flower specimens, silk moths and cocoons. After coating the handmade paper and watercolour sheets with light-sensitive chemistry, they are left to dry in a dark room. The large-scale negatives are contact printed onto the paper by exposure to daylight (UV rays). The prints are then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dried all the pieces are cut out and collaged together to create the multilayered collage before framing.

Signed by the Artist.

'Own Art' Option Available - Contact the gallery for further information.