Soil chromatography is like taking a photo of the compounds and bacteria that make up a substance.

Soil chromatography is often used by farmers to qualitatively assess soil health. I’ve spent the past two years turning this lesser known soil science test into a more expansive artistic technique. Because it is a form of photography made without a camera, each print (also called a chromatogram), is one of a kind. This is an original chromatogram, not a digitally produced copy of the print. I created it on xuan paper that I wet mounted to Chinese mounting paper. Learn more about chromatography here. 

My Cousin's Pear
I created this chromatogram using a pear my cousin Sik Fi grew in his garden in Chicago's Chinatown. I use soil chromatography to illuminate the vitality of the world around us. To make visible the love the land gifts us through food. This print gives us a glimpse at the unseen world hidden inside pears, with each color and striation signifying a separate compound or bacteria. This print is part of my Land Loves Us project, which looks at the love and vitality found in Chinese diaspora foods. 

Hanging
This chromatogram measures 18" x 28-15/16" and comes with a built-in-tab so you can hang it on the wall without a frame. Simply push the three included thumb tacks through the tab. The tab is thin enough that you may also frame it. I can also send it to you without a tab.

Note that while I have uploaded photos that match the print's colors as closely as I can, colors may vary among different computer monitors. What appears on your monitor may not reflect the exact shades of color in the print. This chromatogram is made up of gentle yet deep browns and oranges that fade into reds and pinks.

Giving Back
My work with chromatography is intrinsically related to the land, and some of my chromatograms are made using food and plants grown on stolen land. Indigenous communities are the land's strongest defenders, so 10% of each chromatogram sale gets donated to Indigenous communities. Check out my blog and Instagram (links in profile) for updates on chromatogram donations.