Filmverkstaden, Finland - Experimental Cyanotype Workshop
I need to tell you about my trip to Finland - March 2025
I’m surprised in myself that I have’t already shared this yet as it has been a couple of months and it was a truly magical experience.
I was invited to host a workshop … in Finland! A country I hadn’t ever been too, in fact, it turns out that it was the furthest north that I’ve ever travelled. The idea behind this workshop was for it to be an experimental, inspiring few days amongst other artists, some who had experience of cyanotypes and others who were more experienced in other darkroom techniques. Patricia, who organised the whole workshop, wanted me to share my processes and ideas around the series of work I had recently cerated titled Energies of the Earth.
It’s Tuesday and I’m on my way, a flight from Manchester to Helsinki, then Helsinki to Vaasa, my sketchbook in hand. I actually made a sketchbook for this trip. I hadn’t been using sketchbooks since I left uni, I think I just fell out of the habit of it. Anyway, because I couldn’t take work with me, with just hand luggage for the 3 day trip, I thought a great way to take my work was to document it and condense it into a sketchbook.
As soon as I set foot in Filmverstaden I was excited. There was so much kit, vintage projectors, cameras, books, 16mm film, light boxes. I hadn’t seen anything like it, I should probably say that I didn’t get the chance to explore analog photography at uni or any other time really as I don’t know anyone who does it and because I always have a million ideas, choosing to do darkroom experiments felt unnecessary as I didn’t have access to things. But, analogue magic has always been a medium I’ve wanted to explore. This is how I started with cyanotypes, they are the most accessible analogue technique and require minimal space and equipment.
During this workshop I chatted through my processes and how I manipulate the surface of the cyanotype and stretch the technique to its limits. I also talked everyone through the basics of paper choices and ways in which applying the cyanotype mixture affected the print. Next up we talked about composition and which areas of the print we wanted to control. This is when we started to see the magic. We created a number of beautiful, interesting, unique prints. Everyone started to develop their own style too which was really rewarding for me, seeing everyone learn through my processes but make it their own.
A big thank you to Patricia and Britt for inviting me and hosting me for a wonderful few days. If you are interested in visiting, Filmverkstaden host regular inspiring workshops and exhibitions, you can have a look here - https://www.filmverkstaden.fi/ Any questions, just ask!
Ellen
Amazing experience! I wish I could attend the workshop.