What are we to rocks and mountains?

Medium Description

This piece combines multi-layer botanical cyanotype prints torn with deckle edges to present as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each sheet of cyanotype was exposed with local plant materials, washed, dried, bleached, toned, re-exposed with different botanicals, washed, dried, bleached, and toned. Some pieces went through the re-exposure cycle twice, and others three times or more. After being torn to shape, pieces were layered to reproduce the natural, misty fade visible most mornings and evenings when looking at the mountains in the distance. The flush-mount backing wood was sanded and sealed three times before adding the gradually fading background and edge finishing with acrylic paint.

Artist Description

The Blue Ridge Mountain range can often be seen along the horizon in the upstate of South Carolina and even more commonly as you head north into North Carolina. I wanted to create a unique print using local botanicals and toning materials to mimic the “fall away” effect that mist and distance cause when looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains. Through this process, the plants found in these mountains and woods add texture and nuance to this iconic scene.

Each edition of this will be completely unique depending on the plants, processing, tearing, and placement created. In fact, it would be impossible to replicate this piece exactly. This is the first of four pieces of this size I intend to make.

The title is a nod to Jane Austin, although the original quote is “What are men to rocks and mountains?”