Type | Original 3-Dimensional Papercut Cyanotype, 24-carat gold leaf
Materials | Cyanotype, 3d papercut collage, handmade paper, 24-carat gold leaf
15.2in frame diameter x 1.2in frame depth

Inspiration-
Inspired by Marie Clark Taylor, an extraordinary American botanist whose contributions to
science and education broke barriers and inspired countless women. As a pioneer in her field,
she became the first woman of color to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University in 1941.
Her research on photomorphogenesis—the influence of light on plant development—was
groundbreaking and earned her recognition in scientific circles.
Taylor’s legacy extends beyond her scientific achievements. She was a passionate educator,
dedicating her career to Howard University, where she transformed the botany department and
championed the importance of hands-on learning. Her innovative teaching methods, which
included summer science institutes for high school teachers, ensured that the next generation
of scientists would be well-prepared and inspired.
Marie Clark Taylor's story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking glass ceilings. In an
era when both racial and gender discrimination were rampant, she excelled in a field dominated
by men, proving that women, particularly women of color, could not only participate in but also
lead scientific inquiry and education. Her legacy is a testament to the power of education and
the importance of representation in STEM fields.
Taylor’s work continues to inspire women and girls to pursue careers in science, reminding us
that with perseverance and passion, we can overcome any obstacle and pave the way for future
generations. Her life is a powerful example of how one woman's dedication and vision can
create lasting change and inspire others to dream bigger.

Technique-
The Light Within (Ode to Marie Clark Taylor) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage
using female photographic portraiture, scientific microscopic slides, photographs and
illustrations of botanical materials, flowers, seeds and seedlings, and light rays of the Sun:
Representing her research in photomorphogenesis, this focused on how light influences plant
growth. These also symbolize enlightenment and knowledge.
Flowers, seeds and seedlings of Scarlet Sage/ Salvia splendens), Cosmos bipinnatus and
orange cosmos /Cosmos sulphureus. She subjected the plants to different lengths of regulated
light (6, 10 and 16 hours) and measured the response in seed and flower production. The sage
plants produced the most flowers under the 10 hour photoperiod and the least flowers at 16
hours. The cosmos plants continued to increase flower production with added daylight but the
flowers declined in quality at the longest photoperiod.: Symbolizing the 'seeds of knowledge' she
planted in her students and her contributions to nurturing the next generation of scientists.

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 pieces are cut out and mounted onto the base print to create a multi-layered,
3-dimensional collaged cyanotype and hand finished with 24-carat gold leaf.
By going beyond the blue, I am creating a majestic modern aesthetic to this antiquarian
photographic technique. I hand finish my pieces with precious and chemically treated metals to
enhance the textural quality of the surface, revealing hidden details and creating an evolving
luminous landscape. Allowing each separate element to support the others, not one
overpowering the other, adding depth and uncovering the non perfect surface beauty below.
Using naturally occurring chemicals, cotton and precious metals combined with the sun's rays
and water is one of the purest forms of photosensitive image making that has stood the
testament of time from its discovery in 1842.

Paper
Handmade recycled cotton rag paper
150- 320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough

Paper-
All my paper is handmade using cotton rags, they are ripped, blended and then made into
pulp, mixing in a binder of vegetarian gelatin before placing into a water trough ready to be
pulled into the paper moulds. The pulp sits on the mesh of the mould, the water is drained,
then the paper pulp sheet is laid in between felt sheets and weights are pressed on top to
draw out the excess water and help bind the fibres. Once the fibres adhere together the
sheets are hung to dry for a week or so until they are ready for use.
Each piece is constructed from scratch, fabricating the paper foundation from ripped and
pulped cotton rags, starting the life cycle, building up the layers. Giving a new lease of life to
an otherwise discarded material. Recycling, reusing, reinventing.
I celebrate the naturally occurring materials I use, the way they were so exquisitely made, letting
their organic textures emanate, the undulations of the paper sheets and the hand deckled
edges be seen.
Each piece of handmade paper is a work of art in itself, the recycled cotton rag pulp creates the
base structure upon which to let my pieces develop. I love watching the way the tones of the
cyanotype chemicals develop on the porous surfaces, the way they evolve during exposure to
natural sunlight and seeing the colour intensify when washing in water.

Dimensions
15.2in frame diameter x 1.2in frame depth

Mount
We use archival float mounting for all of our framed cyanotypes. The artwork floats above
an archival snow-white 8001 museum mount board, to showcase the paper texture and
deckled edging.
Framing
Framed artwork will arrive ready to hang. Each circular frame is handmade in London.
All frames come with gallery spec, Artglass AR70 / 3mm 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.