Anthotypes

In 2007 my fine artwork took a turn into alternative processes. As a lover of the darkroom in photography school, but not a fan of the chemicals, I began researching more ecologically friendly ways of printing photographs. I have tried transferring photographs to paper using lavender essential oils, rubbing alcohol and joint liniment all in the name of trying to keep the process a less toxic and a closed one – one that I could do by myself in a studio and not need an outside lab or printer. In 2009 I found a process from the 1940’s that really spoke to me – Anthotypes. 

This process allows me to create an emulsion made from plant material (material which I most often source from my backyard or the local farmer’s market) and contact print a positive image on transparent paper in the sun for multiple weeks with a stunning effect. In 2009, I submitted my first print to The Center for Fine Art Photography’s alternative process juried show and was accepted. At the time, there were very few people doing this work and all my exploration was on my own. This is what hooked me into a photography-specific sustainable practice as well as I could possibly figure out how to do at the time. I've enjoyed the connections made with others who are interested in sustainable, process-oriented practices.