Mix of Cacao (Theobroma cacao), Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Hibiscus (Hibiscus), Passionflower (Passiflora) and Rose (Rosa) anthotype by Kiri McNerney

“Losing Teeth” by Kiri McNerney, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Parts used: Tea blended with various plants. The cacao was roasted, and petals from hibiscus, rosehip, and rose were used, along with parts from damiana and passionflower leaves
Amount: 1 tablespoon
Extracted by: Steeping for 10 minutes
Solvent: Tap water
Application: Brushing with a Japanese hake brush

Layers: 6
Substrate: Montval watercolour cold press paper, 300 gsm
Created with: Masking tape cut into tooth shapes, referencing public domain illustrations by John M. and Clair Turner (human teeth) and Mary Derl (deer teeth). The uncredited “Sail” teeth and a silhouetted face traced from my drawings completed the composition.
Exposure: 5 days in October, fall 2025
UV strength: 5-7 were the highs during the days
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Challenges or observations: It rained on the second day of exposure. The tea was a rich red-pink before drying. Experiments with crushed leaves, alcohol, and salt produced less saturation than simply brewing and using the tea.
Additional information: A gift from a dear friend—our shared love of tea, teeth, and dreams inspired this piece.