Metamorphisis of Marie

Title | METAMORPHOSIS OF MARIE XL
Type | Original 3-Dimensional Papercut Cyanotype
Inspiration | Marie Curie
Year | 2023
Materials | Cyanotype, paper cut butterfly layers on handmade paper 31.5in frame diameter x 1.2in frame depth

Inspiration-

This artwork was inspired by Polish-born physicist, chemist and a pioneer in the study of radiation, Marie Curie. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize and is the only person, male or female, to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields.

Through her legendary achievements in science and an obsessive dedication to her work, Curie set a shining example for future generations of researchers. This chemical heroine was indeed one of the greatest scientists of the twentieth century.

Butterflies symbolise transformation, focusing largely on the representation of life. In many cultures, the butterfly has a deep connection with the soul. The butterfly’s spiritual meaning also deeply resonates with the belief of ascension and new life in addition to creativity, changes, pulsing joy, endless potential and metamorphosis.

The butterfly meaning and the concept of the symbolism take root from the cycle of the butterflies life. The cycle itself defines the spiritual meaning of the butterfly and provides a lot of insight for us. The butterfly births from an egg and initiates its life in the form of a caterpillar. This symbolism links directly with Marie Curie and her life’s work, she ultimately gave her life researching cancer treatments, in turn giving hope and life to others.

Technique-

Metamorphosis Of Marie II (In 3D) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, photograms made from antique slides of microscopic cells, and a Blue Morpho butterfly.

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 butterfly pieces

are cut out and mounted onto the base print to create a multi-layered, 3-dimensional collaged cyanotype.

Dimensions

Framed: 31.5 inches frame diameter x 1.18 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 / 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.