Is That a Cyanotype on Garlic Mustard Paper?

This is a weird paper, even for me.

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), deemed an ‘invasive’ plant species in North America, is a troublesome plant that threatens native biodiversity.

It also makes great paper—there’s usually a ton of it conveniently in one place, and people are happy you’re taking it away.

In fact, you might be surprised to know that I have a super-official Certification in Invasive Plant Management.

Garlic mustard emerging in the springtime.

Wondering about the deep blue tone on the Garlic Mustard papers?

That’s cyanotype (think old-school blue print process).

Like several pieces in the Blackstone River Suite series, it's paper made from displaced plant species that are also troublesome to local ecologies. I coated the circle paper with cyanotype solution (light sensitive), exposed it to sunlight with the actual plant laid on top, and washed it out with water. Anywhere exposed to light become blue, and where the plant blocked light washed out to reveal the paper.