WHAT IT MEANS TO WALK ON AIR - Framed

Original 3D Map Folded Gold Leaf Cyanotype. 3D Cyanotype, map folded handmade paper and 24-carat gold leaf.

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough / Turkish Map folded

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Cecilia Helena Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneering astrophysicist and probably the most eminent women astronomers of all time. Payne's discovery deriving true cosmic abundance of elements from stellar spectra profoundly changed what we know about the universe, and her work began a revolution in astrophysics. This is taken from the series "Women Who Unlocked The Universe"- A Space Of One's Own: These powerful figures in time revolutionised our understanding of the universe and provided invaluable contributions to the field of astronomy, astrophysics and space travel. In pursuing their passions for the heavens, scouring the skies for stellar spectra, chasing comets and mapping the cosmos they ultimately unlocked the mysteries of the universe.

Technique
What It Means To Walk On Air was created by constructing a hand-cut collage of female photographic portraiture, photographs of spiral staircases, antique metronomes and telescopes with photograms of antique slides of interstellar clouds and star spectra with hand-printed surface textures from chemigrams. After coating the origami map folded handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then 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 and then hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf. Once dried the piece is then an origami- map folded, set on top of multiple layers to keep the structural form and framed as a 3D object.

Signed by the Artist.

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