Milkweed, common (Asclepias syriaca) anthotype by Kate Heuston

“To Return” by Kate Heuston, from Baltimore, Maryland, USA 
Parts used: Flowers, the petals and the buds
Amount: About 4 flowers
Extracted by: Mortar
Solvent: Vodka
Application: Brushing with a sponge brush

Layers: 3 layers
Substrate: Watercolour paper, cold pressed
Created with: Positive on inkjet transparency film
Exposure: 12 days in Mexico City, and 5 days in Baltimore in July, summer 2025
Temperature: 15-32° Celsius or 60-90° Fahrenheit
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: I originally planned to expose the anthotype by taping it to my bag while travelling around Mexico City. After the first day, I noticed it was shifting under the packing tape, so I moved it to the window of our lodging instead. The street was lined with trees, and the variable weather of the rainy season affected the exposure. Once home in Baltimore, I gave it some additional sunlight.
Additional information: Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico each year, returning north to reproduce, where their larvae feed on Common Milkweed.
Instagram: @kate.heuston