ORIGINAL CYANOTYPES
We hosted Sarah Bourne Rafferty of Atwater Designs as our Artist in Residence, for the 2022 lavender bloom. The exhibition Lost in the Lavender is a collection of 15 pieces Sarah made during her time on the farm. Cyan or Blue outfits were encouraged at the opening.
ARTIST STATEMENT
To be lost often has negative connotations: unable to find the way or not knowing one's whereabouts. The implication being that one took a wrong turn or lacks direction. As I have gotten older the feeling of being lost has become one more of delight than of fear or sorrow. It’s hard to truly get lost when tied to an agenda or smartphone. One has to go out of their way to be immersed in another place, another time. My time here on the farm was otherworldly. I was lost in the most beautiful way, without a tether to my life back home, on a different timeline. I observed different patterns and learned new things about myself. The time was sacred. Just as in making mistakes we often find answers, it was in getting lost that I found my way to my work and a new home for my heart. This work is an invitation for you to get lost, even if just for a moment. -Sarah Bourne Rafferty
ABOUT THE CYANOTYPE PROCESS
The cyanotype process is the oldest photographic process that begins by mixing a light-sensitive solution, which is then painted onto paper. Once dry, I expose the paper to the sun with a plant or natural object touching the paper which is called a photogram. Once the paper has fully exposed, it is developed by using a water bath. The result is a white silhouette of the object on a Prussian blue background. Because of the solution used the result is always blue and white.
SHOP THE STATIONERY COLLECTION