Cyanotypes • Mathematicians • Women of NASA • Katherine Johnson

Counting Her Way to the Stars

Name: Counting Her Way to the Stars
Brand: Chloe McCarrick Fine Art
SKU: Mounted
Price: 280.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Ode to Katherine Johnson

• Sold

Inspiration + Technique

Inspired by NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson

During her extraordinary 33 year career, Katherine Johnson broke boundaries and paved the way for women in STEM. The space agency noted her historical role as one of the first African American women to work for NASA, earning a reputation for mastering complex manual calculations and helped lead the way for the use of computers to perform tasks.

She computed the trajectory for Alan Shepard's first space flight and worked on the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon. Katherine was a woman who handled great fame with genuine humility and great tragedy with enduring hope, her remarkable journey ultimately brings into focus a determined woman who navigated tough racial terrain with soft-spoken grace—and the unrelenting grit required to make history and inspire future generations.

Katherine's contributions extended beyond her groundbreaking work. Her determination to excel in a field dominated by men, her ability to break through racial and gender barriers, and her humility in the face of overwhelming achievements serve as an enduring source of inspiration. Her legacy is not just about the numbers but about the transformative power of intellect and determination to challenge the status quo.

Katherine Johnson's name is forever etched in the annals of space history, reminding us all that the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries. Her story continues to inspire generations, especially women and minorities in STEM fields, to reach for the stars, break free from societal constraints, and let their brilliance shine as brightly as the stars in the cosmos. Katherine Johnson's life is a testament to the boundless human potential, a symbol of triumph over adversity, and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Technique

Counting Her Way To The Stars (Ode To Katherine Johnson) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic portraiture, illustrations of lunar cycles, photographs of a NASA rocket and the moon, finished with halo made of golden rods and NASA logos.

After coating the vintage computer punch card with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is contact printed onto the punch card by exposing to daylight (UV rays).

The card is processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution, then hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours. Once dry, the card is window mounted.

Medium

Silver gelatin emulsion, high fired paper porcelain disc

Original Cyanotype Punch Card

Dimensions

Size Medium: 210mm x 297mm

Unframed

Unmounted: 85mm x 187.3mm Mounted: 210mm x 297mm

Frame + Materials

Unframed, soft-white mount

This artwork is sold unframed. Get in touch to discuss framing options.

Mount

This artwork is conservation-mounted and set within a soft-white/cream window mount board, showcasing the punch card edging. Conservation mounting uses acid-free, lignin-free materials to protect and preserve the artwork over time.

Paper

Vintage computer programming punch cards: 100gsm / Found material / Recycled / Ink Printed Numbers / PH Neutral / Smooth

Trusted by collectors worldwide

Rated ★★★★★ by online art buyers. Every artwork is professionally packaged for safe delivery.

Enjoy complimentary shipping

Shipping is free on this artwork to the UK, US, and Canada. Find out about

In the frame

Each frame is handmade by a London based design team

High quality finish

Wooden frame primed, sanded, and sprayed with soft-sheen black or white paint for a premium finish.

Museum-grade glass

All frames come with gallery spec, 2mm thick anti-reflective/ UV glazing as standard.

Snow-white mount

The artwork floats above a snow-white mount board, showcasing the paper texture and deckled edging.

‘I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed... anything that could be counted, I did.’

Katherine Johnson

The timeless art of cyanotype printmaking

Cyanotypes, often referred to as 'blueprints', harness the power of sunlight to capture intricate designs and forms.

This age-old technique involves treating paper with a specific chemical concoction, placing objects or negatives atop, and then exposing it to sunlight.

Each artwork is meticulously crafted on handmade paper, signed with a cetificate of authenticity.

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Shipping Cost	Artworks: Free Postcards and small goods: £2.95
Delivery Time	3-5 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary Smalls goods via Royal Mail
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Tax	Included in price
Custom Duties	Not Applicable, we ship from the UK

Shipping Cost	Artworks: Free Postcards and small goods: $15.95
Delivery Time	5-10 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Sales Tax	Included in price
Custom Duties	For artworks valued up to $2,500, you won’t need to pay customs duties. For artworks over $2,500, you'll be contacted by either the customs agency or the delivery service if there are any additional charges to be paid.

Shipping Cost	Artworks: Free Postcards and small goods: $15.95
Delivery Time	5-10 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped

Shipping Cost	Artworks: £59.95 Postcards and small goods: £15.95
Delivery Time	5-10 days (from placing the order)
Delivery Method	DHL Courier Service Professionally packaged, including custom crates when necessary
Tracking	You will be sent a tracking number once the artwork has been shipped