Fig (Ficus carica) anthotype by Montserrat Rodríguez aka nyx10110

“A palm tree” by Montserrat Rodríguez aka nyx10110, L’Estartit, Catalonia, Spain
Parts used: The skins from figs
Amount: 4 figs to make 3 layers on A5 paper
Extracted by: Pestle, mortar and strainer
Solvent: 10 mL of vodka and a little tap water
Application: Brushing

Layers: 3
Substrate: Arches cold-pressed, 100% cotton watercolour paper, 300 gsm
Created with: Positive printed on transparency using an inkjet
Exposure: 5 days in August, summer 2023
UV strength: Approximately 5-7
Temperature: Approximately 20-25º Celsius or 68-77° Fahrenheit
Humidity: 50%
Contrast: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: The fig used is Coll de Dama Negra, also known as Lady’s Neck black fig. In my family, figs are traditionally eaten for dessert during the summer. I carefully peel the dark skins with a thin knife to make the emulsion, avoiding the white flesh and sugary interior. I made two more prints this year, but both were ruined by heavy rain. Since 2023, the original print has darkened from its initial greenish-yellowish tone.
Additional information: The photograph shows an ornamental palm on the seafront promenade of a town on the Costa Brava. In recent years, these trees have been affected by red palm weevil infestations, and some have had to be cut down. The Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) is a solitary species with a tall, straight trunk and a natural symbol of the Canary Islands, where it grows in the wild.
Instagram: @nyx10110
Facebook: facebook.com/nyx10110
Bluesky: @nyx10110.bsky.social