Type | Original 3-Dimensional Papercut Cyanotype
Inspiration | Bessie Coleman
Materials | Cyanotype, paper cut layers on handmade paper
32.3in x 45.3in x 2.2in frame depth

Inspiration-
Bessie Coleman was a pioneer of the skies. Born in a world marked by racial and gender

limitations, she set her sights on the heavens, becoming the first African American and Native
American woman to earn an international pilot's license. With unwavering determination, she
overcame adversity, carving a path through the skies that would inspire generations to come.
A lightning rod for feminism and civil rights at the turn of the twentieth century, Bessie's
courage, ambition, and unyielding spirit transformed her into an aviator and a symbol of hope
and empowerment, reminding us that the sky is never the limit for those who dare to dream.
"Bessie Coleman: A Trailblazer Defying Gravity and Expectations"
In the annals of history, Bessie Coleman emerges as a beacon of feminism, challenging the
conventions of her time and rewriting the skies with her indomitable spirit. As a pioneering
aviator, she soared beyond the constraints of gender norms, shattering glass ceilings with every
fearless flight. This feminist icon navigated the firmament not only to quench her own thirst for
adventure but to quench the thirst for equality that countless women were longing for.

Bessie's journey was a symphony of empowerment, harmonizing the skies with the symposium
of women's rights. With each heartbeat, she beat back against societal norms, showing that a
woman's place was not just within four walls but within the limitless expanse of the sky. In a
world yearning for change, she stepped into the cockpit, transforming it into a stage for her bold
activism, teaching us that the skies, much like life's opportunities, are meant to be claimed by
all.

From the cotton fields of Texas to the clouds above, Bessie's legacy as a feminist trailblazer
soars eternally, reminding us that the winds of change are always at our backs, propelling us
forward toward equality and uncharted horizons.
Inspired by stories of World War I pilots and the idea of flying fascinated her. Denied entry to
aviation schools in the US: In the early 20th century, aviation schools in the United States did not
accept women or persons of colour. Undeterred, Bessie decided to go abroad to pursue her
dream of becoming a pilot.

In 1920, she moved to France to attend flight school, becoming the first woman of African
American and Native American descent to earn an international pilot's license from the
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Nicknamed "Brave Bessie": Bessie earned the nickname
"Brave Bessie" for her daring stunts and fearless approach to flying. She performed in airshows,
thrilling audiences with her aerobatic skills.

An advocate for racial equality: Bessie Coleman faced racial discrimination throughout her life
and career. She refused to participate in airshows that banned African American spectators and
spoke out against segregation in the United States. Bessie dreamed of opening a flight school
for women and people of colour, where she could teach others to fly. Tragically, she passed
away before she could realize this dream.

Technique-
Horizons of Freedom (Bessie’s Quest for the Skies) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage

using female photographic portraiture, photographs and hand drawn illustrations of birds.
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 dried, the bird pieces are
cut out and mounted onto the base print to create a multi-layered, 3-dimensional collaged cyanotype.
Dimensions
Framed: 32.3in x 45.3in x 2.2in frame depth

Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper
150- 320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough
Mount
We use float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above a
snow-white 8001 mount board, to showcase the paper texture and deckled edging.

Framing
Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang.
Each frame is handmade by our London based design team.
All frames come with gallery spec, Artglass AR70 / 2mm anti-reflective/ 79% UV protected
glazing as standard.
If clients would like a bespoke frame, please let me know as I can have them made in
alternative colours, gilding and glazing options.