Artist celebrates World Cyanotype Day World Cyanotype Day 24 September Devon Open Studios 10-25 September

An artist in Bovey Tracey will be celebrating World Cyanotype Day as part of this year’s Devon Open Studios.

Bridget Arnold has been taking advantage of the recent sunshine to create her lampshades, books, prints and other work using cyanotypes.

Cyanotype – also known as sun printing – is a simple photographic process which creates a blue image using natural sunlight. Bridget uses the technique to capture the shadows of the plants and feathers that she collects on Dartmoor.

The celebration of this special photographic process takes place every year on the last Saturday of September, when photographers and artists worldwide gather in gardens, galleries, parks and other spaces to share their creativity.

Bridget said:

“I was born and bred in Devon, so my passion for nature and the place that I live comes from that connection. I am fortunate to be living close to Dartmoor where I walk and de-stress. My other love is for the seashore, so I collect materials from the beach to use in my work.

“I make lampshades and other household objects which use these images. I see it as bringing the outside inside.

“I like sharing the experience with others too, so I run workshops so that people can try the technique themselves.”

Artists all over Devon are busy drawing, painting, making pots, creating sculptures and making art in preparation for Devon Open Studios which takes place across the county. Artists will be throwing open their doors and inviting people to look behind the scenes of an artist’s studio.

This year’s Devon Open Studios features more artists than ever, demonstrating and showcasing their work in attics, sheds, galleries and gardens and other creative spaces, including some of Devon’s most beautiful locations.

Visitors are encouraged to support local artists and makers by buying their work – whether it’s a large sculpture or a small greetings card – or even by simply helping to spread the word on social media.

Bridget Arnold’s studio, which she shares with leather worker Geoff Odgers will be open during Devon Open Studios. Bridget is running cyanotype workshops so that others can have a go at the technique. She has been making flag bunting to put up in celebration of World Cyanotype Day.

Devon Open Studios runs from 10 to 25 September, and information about opening dates and times for all venues is available in the Devon Open Studios Guide.