Dame’s rocket (Hesperis matronalis) anthotype by Jen Perena

“Springtime Shadows” by Jen Perena, Rochester, NY, USA
Parts used: Flower petals
Amount: 1/4 cup
Extracted by: Mortar
Thinner: Alcohol (vodka, 40%)
Application: Brushing

Layers: 4
Substrate: Watercolour paper
Created with: Photogram of flowers and leaves from Dame’s rocket
Exposure: 29.5 hours over 4 days in June, spring, 2024
UV strength: from 1 to 8
Temperature: 66-79° Fahrenheit / 19-26° Celsius
Humidity: High (58-81%)
Contrast: ✿✿✿ (High)
Challenges or observations: I made an emulsion by crushing Dame’s rocket flower petals and mixing the pulp with a little bit of 40% vodka. The emulsion was a lovely purple colour similar to the purple of the flowers, but a little bit cooler/more blueish than the actual flower. I found the contrast to be high, and the final colours both in the bleached and blocked areas to be really lovely. I only wish I had picked more of the flowers, it’s invasive, so next year I will pick everything I can! Overall, an easy flower to work with.
Additional information: Hesperis matronalis, aka Dame’s rocket, is a beautiful but invasive wildflower that blooms in early June, all over the area where I live in western New York state. It is known by many names, such as Dame’s violet, Sweet rocket, Damask flower, and False phlox. Each flower has 4 petals – unlike Phlox, which has 5 – and its leaves are smooth – unlike Phlox, which has hairy leaves. I often find the purple flowers, which I used here, growing alongside a white version of the same flower, and sometimes a variegated version with purple and white stripes. The purple flowers range from a lighter lilac colour to a darker purple.
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