Next Generation Formula Prints

In my ongoing herb print experiments, I became interested in creating a series which incorporates ideas, and thereby energetic properties, that would have a beneficial vibe.

I started by creating the titles first, then worked with several Chinese Herbalists to create custom formulas for each piece. I like intriguing titles, and studied old Taoist and medical texts to get more familiar with the word patterning and phrases that are common in formula names. These two pieces (above) are titled Dissolving the Nets of Calamity and Confusion and Allowing Order to Arise of Itself.

In this series I also experiment with composition differently. Instead of composing the elements in layers, I pour the entire herbal formula onto the scanner bed and create one image. There are no overlapping elements and everything is in the same scale. They keep more of the original tactile quality reminiscent of things scrapped up off the forest floor.

These prints are 30 inch x 22.5 inch, so the herbs are magnified many times their original size, just like the single herb series.