Anthotype prints with turmeric
Plants include: Cow parsley, English ivy, Dead nettle, Clover and Blackberry brambles
Read more for an anthotype tutorial
Anthotypes are created by extracting natural pigments that bleach in the sun from plants.
Required supplies: Paper, Turmeric powder, Paint brush or sponge, Cup/pot/bowl, Paper towel or filter, Picture frame/glass or clear plastic sheet/clear tape, Bright sunlight, Something that will cast a shadow
Optional: Sodium bicarbonate, UV light instead of sun, Photocopier or scanner
To create a turmeric anthotype you need to extract the curcumin from turmeric which gives it its bright yellow colour by mixing it with a strong alcohol (I used surgical spirit/isopropyl alcohol and rum when that ran out). Then filter out the turmeric using a paper towel or filter and paint a couple of layers onto paper until its bright yellow - some people suggest using watercolour paper but I've also heard people say they prefer cheap paper, I used white posterboard/cardboard for some and it worked but did warp a lot.
Leave the paper to dry covered or in a dark place (you could use a hair dryer if you're impatient). Then add whatever you want to print onto the paper, you can add: a drawing on transparent film, an image printed on acetate, an object or plant. I pressed the brambles in a vice between wood to flatten the thorns without scratching whatever i used to press them. My usual method for pressing plants and flowers is to place them in the back of a large hardback book and leave it flat for a few days.
Use a picture frame or just the glass from one to hold the object down if it might blow away. Place it in direct sunlight and leave it for as long as you can, the longer you leave it the stronger the image. I'd suggest a minimum of two hours direct sunlight but I like to leave mine out for like six hours to make sure the image is super clear.
Take a picture or scan of the yellow print to preserve it then if you want to turn the image reddish then mix sodium bicarbonate with water (at least a tablespoon with about 100ml) and paint that over your paper.
The result will be a yellow image left by the shadow of your object like this.
Since the pigments in anthotypes are reactive to light they will continue to fade in light so its best to photograph or scan your print and then store the original somewhere dark, probably in a folder. Some people use wax or resin to preserve theirs so they can be displayed but I don't think any of the methods are fully effective.
