Mussel Shell and Ocean Ink

March 2024

Collected and washed mussel shells from beach in Gloucester. Collected jar of ocean water.

Crushed mussel shells in electric coffee grinder. This took multiple passes-shell is sticky and hard to crush.

Sifted using #100 scientific filter and reground as necessary.

Soaked in distilled water. Tiny pudding layer of pigment scooped out and onto glass plate to mull with powdered gum Arabic and distilled water.

Bottled with preservative, 2 drops each of wintergreen and clove essential oils.

Process took around 4 hours.