The existence of plants often goes unnoticed in our surroundings and is usually taken for granted. Folia Imprints delves into these overlooked plants as subjects of visual experimentation mediated through the technique of gel printing. This project makes use of improvised techniques through various applications, embracing uncertainty, trials, errors, and accidents. The hands-on experience, tangible and analogue processes, and the sense of making have not only helped Stefanie to look at the finer details of her subjects, but also foster a deeper connection with these plants — and by extension, with nature. Through her arsenal of prints and juxtaposition of prints, she hopes to share this appreciation with those who see her work.

Can you describe your process in making these leaf prints?

I started off with collecting leaves around my neighbourhood. Previously, I didn't really have any categorization in my collection; I just took leaves. But recently I have been collecting leaves with the branches and twigs, which can be described as having a pinnate arrangement.

After collecting, I experimented with gel printing. I would kind of combine and try existing things that people do for printing technique. For example, I layer and use different colours for acrylic paints, and switch out different types of leaves. That's the most basic thing in gel printing methods. Then I took a step further where I tried to mix my paint with soap to create a dewy effect. This came about because I accidentally wiped my gel plate with wet wipes. My supervisor, Gideon, encouraged me to continue exploring this happy accident. I even tried achieving different results by using a roller to apply pressure during the printing process, which highlighted smaller details like the veins of the leaves.

Just recently, I thought about how best to communicate the overlooked pattern of plants. I currently have some ideas that are related to size. I enlarged the prints and put it on the wall so that people can somehow immerse themselves. I’ve also been experimenting with tiling.

So, throughout these different processes, do you feel like you noticed anything new about plants?

Actually I say that people might overlook plants, but it applies to me too. Sometimes I overlook; I only see that there are green and white spaces on leaves, but I never really look into details. After working on this project, I feel like, “oh, the veins look like that”. I noticed things that I never noticed before about plants which made me want to appreciate them more. Sometimes I also feel bad because I cut the plants and put paint on the leaves. I feel like I'm killing them. I feel so bad. Sorry, plants.

Has there been a key lesson or insight that you took away from your project?

I feel like it's more about the process. I learnt that experimenting is part of the process and it's not all about the results. I used to be very result-oriented and with this project, especially in my ateliers, it requires me to explore a lot. Those experiments are part of the result. So I had a hard time managing those perspectives. I’ve also learnt the importance of communicating our ideas and creating a deeper meaning around the subject.