[Video Interview] Marita Wai, Botanical Cyanotype Artist

cyanotype of lily
 

Introducing the Art is Hard series: Talking with incredible artists in their field

Love learning about art and the process behind creating something? Then you’ll enjoy a new videocast hosted by Alicia Disantis, who interviews a wide variety of artists about their craft. In this video, Alicia interviews Marita Wai, a Cyanotype botanical artist based in London, England.

We discuss one of Wai's Cyanograms, called "Fawn Lily," a haunting, ephemeral piece made from an entirely natural process, as well as her challenges as an analog artist in a digital world.

About Our Guest

Self-taught Cyanotype artist Marita Wai was born on a remote island on the West coast of Canada surrounded by nature. She uses the historical, cameraless photographic process of Cyanotype to share her lifelong love of flowers. Most of her subjects are grown from seed in her small London garden, this means that from start to finish her works can take many months to complete. She is also inspired by the history and folklore of plants.

About Art is Hard

Art is Hard is a bite-sized video series devoted to the process behind creating art. While everyone loves art, many folks have little knowledge of the labor and methods that go into creating a beloved piece. This series pulls the curtain back in an energetic, no-nonsense, and welcoming way to spread knowledge to both the general public and fine artists alike.

Each episode features a fine artist who chooses one piece to discuss:

  1. Inspiration

  2. Process and methods

  3. Challenges

It’s quick, it’s witty, and it’s not too serious. We’ll learn from each other and inspire each other. We’ll shed light on the discipline and effort that goes into making something. Join us.