SEEDPOD PRINTS

I selected these seedpod specimens from the collection of scientist and curator Dr. Klaus Dobat at the Botanischer Garten Tübingen, Germany. I photographed and transferred them on site, using a Wista 4x5 view camera in a temporary “studio” created in the gardener’s lounge. The seedpod forms exemplify nature’s creation of its own art, its form following function—survival of the species.

4 x 5 Original Polaroid Transfers
22 x 17" Archival Pigment Prints

Platanus x Acerfolia, 1997 — *Platanus x Acerfolia*, 1997

Melanorrhoea usitata, 1997 — *Melanorrhoea usitata*, 1997

Salacca zalucca, 1997 — *Salacca zalucca*, 1997

Acer platanoides, 1997 — *Acer platanoides*, 1997

Tilia platyphyllos, 1997 — *Tilia platyphyllos*, 1997

Clematis tangutica, 1997 — *Clematis tangutica*, 1997

Nelumbo nucifera, 1997 — *Nelumbo nucifera*, 1997

Nypa Fruiticans, 1997 — *Nypa Fruiticans*, 1997

Proboscidea louisianica, 1997 — *Proboscidea louisianica*, 1997

Polaroid Dye Transfer Process

I began making Polaroid transfers twenty-five years ago, using large format 4x5 and 8x10 view cameras. To make these images, I place the specimen before the camera and the film is exposed. After processing, I promptly pull it apart. Then, I quickly place the negative face down onto a sheet of water-soaked watercolor paper so it quickly absorbs and retains the dyes. I allow the negative to sit on the paper for several minutes before slowly and carefully peeling it away.