#phytography

Viridis Genii Symposium 2022

Viridis Genii Symposium 2022

As part of the MP1 project I am exploring the possibility of sustainable printing as it is a coherent fit with the concept of Carbon Capture.

As part of Photo Oxford’s Fabric of Photography: Material Matters, Dr Karel Doing ran a phytogram workshop which I attended.

Fig. 1 Description for the Workshop

As described in this image, “Phytography is a technique that uses the internal chemistry of plants for the creation of images on photographic emulsion.”

Fig. 2 Dr Doing Showing Examples of Phytograms

Sustainable products, soda crystals, are used to develop the images. The process is not completely sustainable as chemical fix is used until a reliable alternative can be found.

Fig. 3 Process Recipe

This was an interactive workshop, and the participants were able to create their own phytograms:

Fig. 4 120 B&W Film

Fig. 5 B&W Film Results

Fig. 6 B&W Photographic Paper

Fig. 7 Photographic Paper Results

Fig. 8 Out of date Infrared 120 Film

Fig. 9 120 Infrared Film Results

I really like the process and particularly the fact that it is sustainable. It can be done on location without having to remove marine plants that are on the beach, although, you will have to take seagrass from the sea.