About My Art
all ink you see is either
from plants - their matter
such as dahlias, hibiscus,
ivy, & sunflowers -
or from my typewriter.
plants are my type & i
enjoy smashing things i love
sometimes w/a hammer.
plants over paint
i hope my art speaks
more than the words you see
& possibly
even more than the flowers
who speak more than me
–mackenzie
About The Process
Step 1: gather
I forage the plants that i use from my yard, as well as the yards of friends & farmers. And occasionally, from sidewalks or forest walks if a plant is asking to be made into art. I aim to harm no plants in the process. Oftentimes, trimming the plants encourages growth & longevity (similar to pruning). I also try to use invasive species, & do my part to remove them lovingly–giving them a second life where they can be appreciated, or even admired.
Step 2: test
In this step, i smash the foraged plant material with a hammer to test if they transfer. Not all plants willingly bestow their pigment to paper via smashing. Moreover, each plant requires its own unique approach to transferring. Some need force while others only cooperate by way of delicateness. Some transfer face up, others face down–it’s a process of trial & error, to say the least. After testing the plants, I take at least a week to allow them to dry/settle in while taking note of pigment changes that occur with oxidation.
Step 3: smash
It’s finally time to make art. I arrange the plant materials, smash them on paper, carefully remove any matter left behind, then allow the paper to dry.
Step 4: type
While the botanical paper is drying, i head to my typewriter. I smash words & characters with my typewriter keys on handmade cotton paper.
Step 5: merge
Once all elements are complete, i unite them using a quick stitch or some glue.
Step 6: admire
This step is rather self-explanatory, yet absolutely mandatory.
Frequently Asked Questions
None. All colors come from plant matter–leaves, flowers, stems, vines, berries… anything has potential to create color, though not all plants & their parts will transfer a lasting image.
Unless otherwise noted, all artwork is 9"x12". If you want to achieve a 'floating' effect, I recommend using an 11"x14" floating frame.
Indeed. I can customize the plants used & the prose. Anything from wedding vows to family recipes to meaningful quotations. You can learn more about custom works & request your own here.