I collected range plant specimens from areas in Southern Utah. These specimens were then pressed and dried. Paper was hand torn and coated with light sensitive cyanotype chemicals. Each specimen was placed into a light box and exposed for 19 minutes. Due to the long exposure time and different thicknesses of the plants allowing for movement, each print is unique and demonstrates the distinct, lifelike qualities of each plant. After exposure, each print was rinsed for several minutes. The length of time spent in the water, the way the water hit the paper, and the amount of exposed space left by the plant specimens each contributed to the distinctive look of the prints. I then interviewed a specialist in the area and selected relevant information for each specimen as it pertains to use in range management. The text was intended to pay visual homage to plant information sheets as used in the scientific community. Each print uses three different metal type fonts from the Caslon family. All pieces were set and printed on a Vandercook Universal 1. Once dry, a silver leaf border was applied by hand to each print. The original work was an edition of two and included 10 separate prints and a title page, and was displayed in a hand built clamshell book. Each plant specimen was left as a loose print so that viewers could interact with each piece. Individual prints have since been displayed by hanging together as quadtych. (Measurements above are for a quadtych, each print is 7x9 in.)

Cyanotype, Letterpress

Allison Ipson