Cyanotype Making with Tobi Makinde

Cyanotype Workshop with Tobi Ibiye Makinde

Title Cyanotype Workshop: Exploring the Historic Art of UV-Based Photographic Printing

Introduction This is a hands-on workshop dedicated to exploring the cyanotype process, one of the oldest forms of photography. Led by experienced practitioner Tobi Ibiye Makinde, the session will guide participants in learning this historic, UV-based photographic printing technique and creating their own unique blue-toned prints. Tobi Ibiye Makinde has been working with the medium for over five years.

What the Program Focused On The workshop is entirely focused on practical skill acquisition and creative output using an antique photographic medium: Core Skill: Learning the historic art of UV-based photographic printing (the cyanotype process). Creative Output: Participants will create two unique prints under the instructor's guidance. Medium: Working with the characteristic stunning blue-toned prints produced by the process.

Methods and approach The workshop is designed to be a direct, hands-on learning experience structured for maximum participation within a limited time frame: Format: Hands-on workshop with expert guidance. Duration: Each session runs for three hours. Sessions: Two separate, identical sessions are available: 11 AM – 2 PM 2 PM – 5 PM Preparation: The instructor offers pre-workshop assistance to participants who wish to use a personal image by helping to create a digital negative for their prints.

Tracks and Themes Tracks (Activity) Themes (Focus) Hands-On Creation Direct engagement with historic photographic chemistry. Skill Transfer Learning a sustainable and accessible form of image-making. Digital Negative Prep Bridging modern digital imagery with antique photographic processes.

Outcomes The key outcomes are personalized creative works and skill acquisition: Unique Artwork: Participants take home two unique cyanotype prints they created. New Skillset: Acquisition of practical knowledge in the historic cyanotype photographic printing process. Community Building: Opportunity to explore creativity and network with other enthusiasts in the 16/16 setting.

How this connects to our wider work Hosting this workshop aligns with the mission of 16/16 to promote hands-on creativity, artistic education, and skill-sharing within the community. By featuring an expert like Tobi Ibiye Makinde, it supports practitioners who work in specialized or historic media, ensuring the longevity of diverse artistic techniques.

Why it matters This workshop matters because it makes a historic, foundational photographic process accessible to the public. It provides a unique opportunity to slow down the process of image-making, connecting modern digital habits with tactile, chemical artistry, resulting in unique and beautiful physical objects.