Nicosia, Cyprus | April 13–14, 2025

In mid-April, a group of participants from Latvia, Greece and Cyprus gathered in Nicosia for two sunny days of art-making and learning about nature-based printing. The workshop focused on cyanotypes and anthotypes—creative and sustainable ways to make images using sunlight and plants.

Participants were introduced to the cyanotype process, a historic sun-printing technique that uses UV light to develop striking blue-toned images. A discussion followed on sustainability in art, challenging participants to reflect on eco-responsible practices in photography and creative work.

After preparing their cyanotype paper in a darkroom, participants discussed the environmental footprint of photography and explored artist examples that blend sustainability and creativity.

Using dried flowers and plants, they then created their own cyanotype prints, experimenting with sustainable materials and even at-home ingredients. After rinsing and drying the prints, they admired the stunning, nature-infused results.

Day 2 introduced a second botanical printing method—anthotypes, a sun printing process using only natural emulsions from vegetables, spices, and plants.

Participants prepared liquid emulsions from fresh produce, coated paper with the mixtures, and explored different materials and exposure techniques. As the papers dried, they learned about other plant-based printing possibilities from around the world.

Using dried botanical elements, participants designed their anthotypes and placed them outside to expose in the sun. It’s a patient process—some prints take hours, others need days or weeks—but the results are soft, organic, and meaningful.