The weather conditions were perfect for today’s session, lots of sun and very little wind. After some research and a look into composition and style, we went foraging around Pen Y G, to identify and gather materials for the prints.
After some mad scientist moments measuring and mixing our Ferric Ammonium Citrate and Potassium Ferricyanide, we measured equal parts and mixed in the ‘dark room’ to create our solution. We then applied the solution to different types and sizes of watercolour paper.
We then went on to forage for and identify many plant species, such as Elder Sambucus nigra, Sweet Chestnut, Castanea sativa as well as some interesting smelling flowers that we discovered the leaves were used as a poultice. Our first experimentation was with a maple. How beautiful are the Samara fruits or Helicopter seeds? You can see perfectly the delicate veins and stalks.
See the beautiful composition of feathers found, one from some swallows that are nesting in the barn. And the others are from wood pigeons. The printing process picks up the delicate veins so beautifully. Even Neil the Site Manager had a go!
Overall, the session was a fantastic place to start our experimenting.
Leave a Reply