Botanical & Photo Embedding in Bioplastic

What It Is

Botanical embedding is the process of capturing organic and photographic materials inside a bioplastic matrix — primarily agar or gelatin based. The inclusions become visible through the translucent bioplastic, suspended in a state between pressed specimen and object, between archive and material.

The technique sits at the intersection of botanical pressing, photography, and material science. Objects that can be embedded include: dried flowers and petals, pressed leaves, stems, seeds, photographic prints on paper, analog photographs, fabric fragments, found plant material, and food scraps (egg shells, coffee grounds, garlic peels).

Why Artists Use It

Embedding in bioplastic is a way of making memory tangible. A flower from a specific evening, a leaf from a specific garden, an analog photograph from a specific year — suspended in a material that will itself change and eventually decompose. The impermanence is part of the meaning.

In Jay Lee's practice, botanical embedding developed from a simple question: what happens to the flowers after an event? At the studio's opening night in April 2026, flowers filled the space. Rather than discarding them, they were dried, pressed, and cast into bioplastic sheets — each holding the fragrance and shape of that specific evening.

In earlier CDMX work, food scraps were embedded alongside found street materials: egg shells, garlic peels, mandarin peels, asphalt fragments, and tree bark from New York streets. The bioplastic became a way of collecting the material texture of a place.

Process

Preparing inclusions:

• For flowers and plants: press and fully dry before embedding. Fresh or semi-dried botanicals will introduce moisture into the bioplastic, causing mould. Dry flat between absorbent paper under weight for 1–3 weeks. Alternatively, use a flower press or microwave press for faster results.
• For food scraps (egg shells, coffee grounds): boil and dry fully to sterilize before use.
• For photographic prints: use printed paper (laser or inkjet). Test first — some inks bleed into the bioplastic solution. Analog black and white prints work well and become visible through the translucency.
• For fabric: stitch or layer before casting.

Casting process:

1. Prepare agar or gelatin bioplastic solution (see: Agar or Gelatin).
2. Pour a thin base layer into the frame. Allow to partially cool and begin to set (approximately 1–2 minutes for agar at room temperature).
3. Arrange dried botanicals or objects on the semi-set base layer.
4. Pour a second thin layer over the top to seal the inclusions.
5. Allow to fully set and cool before drying.

For single-layer embedding: Allow the solution to cool to approximately 45–50°C (hot but not scalding to touch). Place inclusions directly, then pour slowly over. This works better for flat, lightweight materials.

Tools & Safety

All tools required for bioplastic casting (see: Agar Bioplastic) plus: tweezers or fine painting knife for placing inclusions, flat botanical press or books for pre-drying flowers.

Common Failures

• Mould from fresh botanicals: The most common failure. All organic inclusions must be completely dry before embedding. Any remaining moisture becomes a site for microbial growth in the bioplastic.
• Inclusions floating or shifting: Pour base layer first, allow to partially set, then place inclusions. They will anchor into the partial gel.
• Ink bleeding: Some photographic prints bleed colour into the warm bioplastic solution. Test a small piece first. Laser prints tend to be more stable than inkjet.
• Inclusions visible but dull: The bioplastic dried too quickly, trapping air bubbles around the inclusions. Pour slowly and ensure full contact.

Archival Notes

Embedded botanical pieces will decay at the same rate as the bioplastic matrix — typically months to years depending on humidity. The organic inclusions add additional moisture and potential microbial content, which can accelerate decomposition. For longer display life, store in a cool, dry environment below 50% relative humidity. Handle minimally — the embedded materials can crack the bioplastic if bent.

Jay's Studio Note

The first botanical embeds at Material Memory Studio used the flowers from the April 20 opening night — pressed through the month of April, cast in early May. Each sheet holds different flowers: roses, ranunculus, jasmine, delphinium. The colors shift as the bioplastic dries — pinks deepen to brown, whites become cream. This color change is part of the process, not a failure. The object that emerges is not a reproduction of the flower; it is what the flower becomes.

Related Materials

Agar Bioplastic — base material · Gelatin Bioplastic — warmer alternative · Alginate — for fibre and string embedding · Chlorophyll Printing — another technique for preserving plant presence