“Kawakawa Test 1” by Rosemary Horn, Nelson, New Zealand
Parts used: Leaves
Amount: Approximately two handfuls
Extracted by: Hand-cranked wheatgrass juicer
Solvent: Isopropyl alcohol
Application: Brushing
Layers: 4
Substrate: Fabriano artistico paper, 200 gms
Created with: Positive on inkjet transparency film
Exposure: 40 days between August and October, late winter to spring 2026
UV strength: Between 2-9
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: It was quite a dry leaf, so using a solvent or water is essential to encourage extraction. Alcohol is best, so as not to dilute the extract. The exposure was long, and even then it could have used another 40 days or stronger and more consistent sunshine.
Additional information: This is a small tree, a member of the pepper family and a medicinal plant used in many ways, including as a topical balm to soothe eczema, boils, bites, stings and grazes, as well as to relieve toothache and gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems.
Instagram: @photogirl168
Facebook: facebook.com/rosie.horn.12
Website: www.photogirl.co.nz
Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) anthotype by Rosemary Horn
This anthotype is part of World Anthotype Day
World Anthotype Day - celebrated annually since 2022 was started by AlternativePhotography.com. Our global community of artists celebrates the anthotype process by submitting prints. These works are added to our database here and compiled into reference books. The purpose is to build a large resource where artist can learn which pigments and plants work and draw inspiration from others. The reference books can be found here:
Volume 1 is the first book in the series:
Volume 1 contains 60 unique anthotype emulsions from 103 artists taking part from 31 countries.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 1 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2022
Volume 2 is the second book:
Volume 2 contains 100 unique anthotype emulsions from 139 artists taking part from 31 countries.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 2 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2023
Volume 3 is the third book:
Volume 3 pushes the boundaries with emulsions not only from plants and pigments, but also from beans, moss and mushrooms. 135 artists shared their research.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 3 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2024
Volume 4 will be the fourth book:
In Volume 4 we will combine entries from both 2025 and 2026 into one beautiful double edition to include even more inspiring work, insights, and pigments to explore. The release for the combined World Anthotype Day book is planned for November 2026 – a richer, more comprehensive collection worth the wait.
Anthotype Emulsions, Volume 4 – The collective research from photographers on World Anthotype Day 2025 and 2026
If you want to learn more about making anthotypes there is also the first "how-to" book:
Make prints using plants - an environmentally safe process!The first book solely dedicated to Anthotypes.
Anthotypes – Explore the darkroom in your garden and make photographs using plants
Rated 9,8 - based on 224 votes
And also the Complete Guide and How-To book:
Learn everything there is to know about anthotypes in the updated edition 2 of our popular How-To book.The extended and complete guide to Anthotypes.
Anthotypes - The Complete Guide to Making Photographs with Plants and Sunlight
If you are already practising anthotype printing, we suggest making notes to document and learn:
50 pre-defined pages for you to document your anthotype process.
Anthotype notes – Document your anthotype process
Rated 10 - based on 8 votes
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World Anthotype Day
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