I realize I've slacked off on keeping this blog updated. Life, you know... So here I am, making a little update on what's been happening around Baba Yaga's house.
First off, I've finally gotten around to trying my hand at lumen printing. Lots of fun! I'm testing out different papers and would say my end goal would be to find silver gelatin printing out paper that can take encaustic treatment. From what I'm reading, that's likely to be fiber base paper. As luck would have it, it appears I had the presence of mind to pack up two unopened envelopes of such paper into my enlarger box when I moved. The paper must be well expired by now, and subjected to variations in humidity, so I'd say it's seasoned (but no, that's not a thing when it comes to lumen printing...I'm just choosing to see it as a feature, even though I'm not clear on exactly how that affects the results!). The first few goes have offered enough delight to inspire different ideas for as yet to be created art pieces. In addition, I'd definitely say that the process is a riff on the cyanotypes I've already been making. The image up left is the result of my first attempt on twelve pieces of 5x7 RC paper. A couple more results below, after the text, on fiber based paper.
In other news, the pinhole workshop seemed to be a success. Even though there were only a few students, everyone appeared to enjoy the event and take something away from the instruction. It was certainly an education for me in that I was surprised just how much it took out of me energetically. Although, knowing myself as I do I guess I'm not that surprised. The lack of familiarity in actually teaching people the use of a tool and techniques, and speaking at length on the subject, was an energy burner. That being said, I would guess the more I do things like that the less drained I'll get. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to test out this new set of wings.
During the workshop, in addition to standard silver gelatin paper, we used direct to positive paper for some of our pinholes. This was great since I'd never motivated myself to use the stuff before. I think everyone was excited to see these slow yet instant photos, so to speak. I'll post a couple of my pinholes below.
In other arty crafty news the fabric cyanotype runner for the dining room table is almost complete. I decided to embroider a red edging all along the perimeter of the piece, to tie it together with the red and yellow needlework that enhances some of the photogram shapes. It's been a long process, but the meditative handwork is a good practice.
The garden is still hanging in there, although I've stopped picking any produce to speak of. There's another crop of buckwheat growing where I'll dig it under within the next couple months. While the two pines at the front of the lot are down, the stumps still need to be ground. Once that's complete I can forge ahead in getting space cleared and dirt conditioned for next year's gardens. Another slow, meditative process. I suppose these things are good for me in that I tend to want to hurry through foundational aspects of many things in my life!!
I continue to work on my inner self. My heart has been heavy for so long and I'm feeling the need to get a little bit more intensive about doing the things that will help. Even in counseling, I can see I've been avoiding the really deep stuff...stuff that seems to get disguised by responses to situations (you know...*those* things are what make me feel bad...not all that stuff that happened long ago and embedded itself in my sense of self...uh huh...). Anyway, I trudge onward and making art, digging in the dirt, and actually having in the flesh dialog with other human beings seems to be a positive.
Lastly, I'm excited to have my holiday itinerary made to go see the family for Christmas. I miss my kids like nobody's business...they are my heart...and it's a challenge to be so far away. It'll be good to be with everyone. In addition, I can't wait to hear all about the upcoming wedding plans for my daughter and her beau. It's delightful to see what a wonderful pair they are together...but that doesn't surprise me because they are also fabulous individuals. It's a blessing.
lumen camellias
lumen autumn
paintcan pinhole on direct to positive paper
paintcan pinhole on direct to positive paper
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