In 2021, my partner and I moved to the countryside. Here, we began to cultivate a more meaningful relationship with the natural world. We began to pay more attention to the moon phases, the seasons, and other natural rhythms. We began learning to grow our own food and to recognise the plants and animals around us. We began rewilding the land around our house, promoting native plant species, and cutting out chemical fertilisers, weedkillers, and pesticides.

At the same time, we were referred for vitro fertilisation (IVF). After trying to start a family through natural conception for two years, we decided that a scientific intervention was needed.

This project is an artistic response to my experience of undergoing IVF treatment. It explores the tension between the natural process of conception and the clinical experience of IVF. To illustrate this tension, I am creating anthotype contact prints of sonograms created during the IVF process.

Anthotype printing is a traditional method of photographic printing which uses organic material in the creation of photosensitive emulsions which are exposed in the sun. I am making anthotype emulsions from herbal remedies to treat infertility and the side effects of IVF treatment. I am printing these anthotypes on the patient information leaflets from my IVF medications.

This project was supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Support for Individual Artists Programme (SIAP).

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Ovitrelle: To release eggs from ovaries
Lady’s Mantle: To promote conception
IVF Round 1, Scan 2: To check follicles prior to egg collection

Ovaleap: To stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg

Nettle: To stimulate follicle development
IVF Round 2, Scan 1: To assess follicle development

Red Clover: To enhance the uterine lining
IVF Round 2, Scan 2: To check follicles prior to egg collection

Turmeric: To thin the blood
IVF Round 2, A&E Scan: To determine extent of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Clexane: To thin the blood
Tumeric: To thin the blood
IVF Round 2, A&E Scan: To determine extent of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)