Botanical contact prints are a form of alternative photography in the way they involve direct contact printing with organic materials. Botanical contact printing, also known as eco-printing, is a sustainable art form that captures the natural pigments and intricate details of plant materials directly onto fabric or paper. This process involves placing leaves, flowers, bark, or other botanical elements rich in tannins onto a prepared surface, bundling them tightly, and applying heat through steaming or boiling. The heat facilitates the transfer and extraction of the plants’ natural pigments, resulting in unique, unpredictable designs. The ethos of alternative photography is about experimenting with materials, embracing unpredictability, and creating unique prints.

 

Invasive Species: Eucalyptus, 2024 eco-print, 24 x 8″