Anthotypes

What are anthotypes

Painting with plant matter and sunlight

Anthotypes involve creating images using light-sensitive juices extracted from crushed plant material. The plant-based emulsion is applied to artist’s paper, dried, and then exposed to sunlight for hours, days, and sometimes even weeks. This technique was first developed in 1839 by Sir John Herschel, a British astronomer who contributed significantly to the early days of photography. Herschel was inspired by the pioneering research of his predecessors, including the Scottish scientist Mary Somerville, who studied the effects of light on plant juices. Herschel’s original intention was to discover a viable method for color photography, but the unpredictable and time-consuming anthotype process proved commercially impractical and was eventually abandoned.

Today, almost two centuries later, this once-neglected process is experiencing a renaissance. Photographers are increasingly drawn to the anthotype not only for its aesthetic potential but also for its eco-friendliness. Another noteworthy characteristic of the anthotype is its impermanence – the jewel-like colors will eventually fade, providing a compelling metaphor for the fleeting nature of life.

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Curcumin anthotype instructions

Curcumin is the bright yellow chemical in turmeric. Alcohol extracts the curcumin from the turmeric. The curcumin degrades moderately quick in sunlight. The unexposed curcumin stays yellow/orange and when mixed with borax (sodium tetraborate), turns a shade of brown. We can create photo-sensitive paper buy soaking it in the turmeric/alcohol mixture. Using this paper, photograms can be created. Objects such as flowers, feathers etc. can be used, also photo positives. Photo positives are the opposite of photo negatives. Photo positives for turmeric anthotypes can be made by converting a photo to black and white, make the contrast high and then print on transparency film.

STEPS TO MAKE PHOTO-SENSITIVE CURCUMIN PAPER:

1. Mix ground turmeric (1 tsp) and 99.8% isopropyl alcohol (approx. 40 to 50mL)
2. Filter out the turmeric grounds from that liquid, keeping the liquid (Use paper towel or coffee filter)
3. Soak paper in the solution for a couple of minutes (away from light)
4. Let paper dry in dark area

STEPS TO DEVELOP THE ANTHOTYPE:

1. Place that dry photo-sensitive paper on back board
2. Arrange items/flowers/feathers on that paper
3. Place glass cover over
4. Clip glass to back board
5. Position in sun for 1 to 2 hours approx (I leave it in sun until the exposed parts are white)
6. Rinse in borax and water solution, until it stops changing colour, for finish and fix (2 tsp borax dissolved in 125mL water)
7. Rinse borax solution off in fresh water
8. Leave it to dry in a dark area

Warning: Curcumin stains EVERYTHING except glass and some glazed ceramics