Justin Chappell

Here in Arizona, where the saguaros stand like sentinels and coyotes sing to the stars, I print stories into paper using sunlight. Blue Desert Studio was born from the dust and the heat, a quiet workshop nestled in Phoenix where the American Southwest unfolds in indigo and sepia tones. My work begins with the land. I gather wild-harvested flora and fauna in locations that speak to the soul of this rugged country. These natural treasures, paired with sunlight and care, are transformed into cyanotypes – art that captures the shapes and shades of the desert. I don’t stop there. I steep my prints in handmade, plant-based toners – creosote, tobacco, sagebrush, Emory Oak, and yerba mansa. Each finish is a nod to the desert’s hues: sunlight ochres, faded denim, dusky purples, and stormy blues. The colors, much like the landscape, tell a story of resilience, beauty, and connection to the earth. My studio is a campfire call to those who wander and wonder, who value the handmade and the heartfelt. By joining you’ll help me keep this art alive, supporting my journey to honor the desert through sustainable, intentional creativity. So saddle up and hold on! Together we will keep the desert’s spirit alive, one print at a time.