Mix of Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Wild cherry tree gum anthotype by Goran Budija

“Photogenic Drawing 1-2025” by Goran Budija, Zagreb, Croatia
Parts used: Dwarf elder fruit juice, turmeric root powder and wild cherry tree gum
Amount: 3 teaspoons of emulsion were used. The emulsion was prepared by mixing 375 mL of a 1:1 blend of distilled water and ethyl alcohol with 4 heaping teaspoons of turmeric powder, 4 teaspoons of dwarf elder fruit juice, and 4 teaspoons of wild cherry tree gum solution
Extracted by: Ultrasonic-assisted extraction, 20 minutes, 60 W/40 000 Hz using a cheap ultrasonic cleaner.
Thinner: Distilled water and ethyl alcohol
Application: Makeup remover cotton pads

Layers: 1
Substrate: Fabriano Watercolour Studio “Torchon” paper 300 gsm, 25% cotton
Created with: Photogram composition made with horsetail (Equisetum arvense) plant leaves
Exposure: 6 hours in August, summer 2025
Contrast: ✿ (Low)
Additional information: Cherry tree gum is very similar to gum arabic, which is used in several photographic emulsions such as gum bichromate, certain ferrogallic processes, and Pellet positive cyanotype. It can also serve as a DIY watercolour binder. As a developer (or toner), I used a mixture of 1 part commercial water glass to 3 parts distilled water. Many use baking soda or borax, but any alkaline solution can work — even wood ash dissolved in hot water.
Ultrasonic extraction can be used to extract dyes or medicinal compounds from plants. It is even used in cooking to rapidly infuse flavours, create smooth emulsions, and enhance texture by breaking down plant or food cell structures with sound waves. For my experiments, I used an inexpensive Chinese-made ultrasonic cleaner.
‘Commercial water glass’ refers to a sodium silicate solution (not a drinking glass). It is a viscous, alkaline liquid often sold in paint or hardware stores (this one was purchased in a paint store in Zagreb, with unspecified concentration). Alkaline solutions can be used with a turmeric-based emulsion. Curcumin is pH-sensitive and produces a yellow colour in acidic conditions and shifts to brown or red in alkaline ones.