Cigarette Ink

January 2024

I collected half-smoked cigarettes on Mass/Cass Ave in Boston and on Prospect Street in Gloucester near my home.

I soaked the cigarettes in distilled water, vinegar and salt for a few days.

Removed filters and paper from tobacco and discarded.

I cooked the tobacco on the stovetop with alum to increase color saturation.

Strained through coffee filter.

Further cooked on stovetop to concentrate.

Bottled 60ml Cigarette Water-Based Ink in dropper bottle with 10 drops of liquid gum Arabic (water, glycerin, gum, honey), preservative, and 2 drops each wintergreen/clove essential oil.