Rose, cabbage (Rosa centifolia) anthotype by Kris Curtis Morse

“Floriography” by Kris Curtis Morse, Maryland, USA
Parts Used: Petals from Cabbage rose
Amount: 6 cups
Extracted by: The petals were simmered, steeped, cooled and strained
Solvent: Distilled water
Application: Soaking the paper in emulsion, then spraying

Layers: 2 coats by soaking, one by spraying
Substrate: Watercolour paper
Created with: After placing dried, pressed roses on coated paper to make a photogram, I sprayed the negative spaces with additional rose water prior to exposure to sunlight.
Exposure: 9 hours in direct sunlight over three days in August 2025
Temperature: Average 29° Celsius or 85° Fahrenheit
Contrast: ✿✿ (Medium)
Challenges or observations: This was my first attempt using the wet emulsion technique, which caused significant condensation on the glass during exposure. After each session, I carefully removed, dried, and replaced the glass before bringing the contact frame inside for the night.
Additional information: The roses were purchased as petals from an herb shop to distil into a facial toner (hydrosol). I used the by-product of the simmered/steeped petals for the Anthotype emulsion. I chose roses for both the emulsion and photogram to honour my mother, whose favourite flower was the rose. When she was ill and could no longer read or garden, I read to her from a book on Floriography – the Victorian language of flowers – which inspired the title. White roses symbolise remembrance, while pink cabbage roses represent gratitude.
Instagram: @naturalaffinities_com
Website: https://botanybirdsongsblackskirts.wordpress.com/
Gallery: www.AlternativePhotography.com/kris-curtis-morse/