In their Blue Era! Members of the Leaders for Equity & Diversity (LEAD) Program recently created identity-inspired cyanotypes, a printing process that uses ultraviolet light and water to produce a blue-hued photographic image. LEAD Advisor Mr. Joel Lee ’17, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the Upper School, guided students through the steps of reproducing a photo or other physical memento onto botanical papers. “The goal is to engage students in an activity based on their own identities and experiences,” said Mr. Lee. They were asked to select a cherished photo or object for the cyanotype and to think about a person to whom they’d like to give this gift. Stanley Ma ’28 printed a photo of himself with his sister. “We’re very close,” he said. Adhara Blanc ’28 shared that she made cyanotypes for her coaches and a print of the cross she wears around her neck for herself, as the necklace belonged to her mother. Paige Barnes ’28 said she was inspired by beautiful spring flowers and used a handful of them to create one of her cyanotypes. Thanks to Mr. Lee for organizing such a meaningful project!
