Gypsum is a common mineral usually used as a building¹ and sculptural material. The main component of gypsum is calcium carbonate. The water in the London area is relatively hard compared to other parts of the UK, mainly due to the high levels of calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate. Watering plants with hard water over a long period of time can have a detrimental effect on the plants and soil.

The accumulation of calcium carbonate, which creates white deposits, can change the pH value of the soil, adversely affecting the growth of plants and leading to different problems with the foliage. Washing clothes in hard water can also cause problems with white powder deposits settling on the fabric. This deposit can make clothes rough and have a long term effect on the ability of washing machines to clean properly.

This project creates a series of soil chromatography to represent the effects of different hardnesses of water on planting, creating the effect of sediments on plants, soil, and water. Through 21 soil chromatographic prints, I gradually increase the amount of gypsum powder in distilled water to simulate hard water concentrations representing areas such as London, China, and New Zealand.