Studio Process & Material Making > Fallen Leaves & 1st Snow of 2022 Ink

Fallen leaves & 1st snow of 2022 gathered from the artist's backyard for ink making

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Leaves and snow are placed over low heat to begin to melt the snow and concentrate color of ink.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Additional snow is added as needed to cover the leaves, and is simmered over a low heat.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Liquid is simmered over a low heat for approximately one hour to concentrate the color of the ink. Small pieces of paper can be dipped into the liquid to assess the color and concentration of the ink throughout the process.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

When liquid is reduced and color is concentrated, the pot is removed from the heat.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Ink is filtered through a metal mesh strainer. Leaves and other remaining solids can be composted. Further straining of the liquid through a coffee filter is optional--doing this while the ink is still warm seems to work better.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Ink is filtered into a clean glass jar. Adding a clove can help keep the liquid from going moldy. I store all my handmade inks, labeled with the ingredients and date, in the fridge.

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Fallen leaves and 1st snow of 2022 ink swatches and test strips

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Baltimore, MD

2022

Studies and experiments in the studio using the fallen leaves & 1st snow of 2022 ink

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Baltimore, MD

2022