A work in progress....

As an herbalist, (MS Therapeutic Herbalism) I’m fascinated by the healing power of plants. As an artist, I’m in awe of their ability to harnass the power of light.

Combining these two loves - plants and art - produces anthotypes, an ancient form of camera-less photography.

Watercolor papers are painted with an emulsion of plant materials which makes the paper photosensitive. Then plants are placed on the photo paper, tightened into a glass frame, and placed in the sunshine, for days, to develop.

There’s an excitement and mystery to this body of work. Few experiements have been done with anthotypes, and one never knows just what color the plant materials will produce or how the color will change in the sunshine. The possibilities and results are endlessly varied.

In this body of work, each anthotype represents a different medicinal herb. The watercolor is made with parts of the herb and then printed in the sunshine with images of the herb.

To create or experience an anthotype is to foster one's relationship with the plants: exploring the wisdom, mystery, and varied nourishment they offer us so freely.