NOBEL MARIE STUDY IN GOLD - Framed

Float framed between perspex back and AR70 glass front.

Cyanotype, handmade paper with 24-carat gold leaf.

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
640gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Polish-born physicist, chemist and a pioneer in the study of radiation,Marie Curie. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize and is the only person, male or female, to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields.
Through her legendary achievements in science and an obsessive dedication to her work, Curie set a shining example for future generations of researchers. This chemical heroine was indeed one of the greatest scientists of the twentieth century. Butterflies symbolise transformation, focusing largely on the representation of life. In many cultures, the butterfly has a deep connection with the soul.

The butterfly's spiritual meaning also deeply resonates with the belief of ascension and new life in addition to creativity, changes, pulsing joy, endless potential and metamorphosis. The butterfly meaning and the concept of the symbolism take root from the cycle of the butterfly life. The cycle itself defines the spiritual meaning of the butterfly and provides a lot of insight for us. The butterfly births from an egg and initiates its life in the form of a caterpillar.

This symbolism links directly with Marie Curie and her life's work, she ultimately gave her life researching cancer treatments, in turn giving hope and life to others.

Technique
Nobel Marie Study In Gold was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photograms made from antique slides of microscopic cells, and a hand printed photograph of a Blue Morpho butterfly.

After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large-scale negative is contact printed onto the paper by exposure to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once the image is fixed it is hand
finished with 24-carat gold leaf.

'Own Art' Option Available - Contact the gallery for further information.