Mix of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Almond tree (Prunus dulcis) and Poppy, common (Palaver rhoeas) anthotype by Rachel Osowiecki

“Traveller’s Joy” by Rachel Osowiecki, Paris, France
Parts used: Roselle: dried calyces. Almond tree: dried outer shell. Poppy: dried petals
Amount: Roselle: 1 tablespoon. Almond tree: a handful. Poppy: a handful
Extracted by: Roselle and Almond tree: soaking for one year, Poppy: soaking for 2 days
Thinner: 70% modified alcohol for all emulsions
Application: Brushing, dipping the brush directly in the unfiltered solutions

Layers: 1 layer, dried for one night
Substrate: Watercolour paper, Clairefontaine Aquapad, cold pressed 300 gsm
Created with: Photogram of pressed Clematis vitalba, laminated in a plastic sheet
Exposure: The paper and laminated pressed plant were hung behind a double-layered window and left there during the whole process. Full sun exposure for about 4 hours a day. 12 days of exposure in July-August, summer 2024
Temperature: 12-34° Celsius
Contrast: Roselle: ✿ (Low), Almond tree and Poppy: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: Given the bad weather conditions we had in Paris in July, I knew I would need several days of exposure. Also, I didn’t want to move the photogram during the process to check the exposure.
I decided to expose a “proof set” to check the contrast every two days and cut an area each time to obtain a scale. I also note the weather conditions on each paper strip. It was very helpful to get enough sun to create a nice contrast but to stop before the paper gets too much UV.
I laminated the plant between two plastic sheets to avoid using a frame with a glass that where too heavy to hang in the window and also to avoid adding chemicals the plants could put on the paper when deteriorated by the sun.
Additional information: I really love that the technique needs both scientific method and artistic intuition
Instagram: @rachel.simple.fleur