Blotter art: originally an art form printed on perforated sheets of absorbent blotting paper infused with liquid LSD. The delivery method gained popularity after banning the hallucinogen LSD in the late 1960s. Graphics on blotter sheets originated as an underground art form in the early 1970s, sometimes to help identify the dosage, maker, or batch of LSD. Blotter art frequently incorporates themes common to psychedelic art, using bright, contrasting colors and repeating patterns in its designs. Cartoon characters were often exhibited, and many examples contain religious and mystical imagery or pay homage to figures in the psychedelia subculture.

The Photographer: Herb Greene took the concept of real LSD Blotter and printed some of his most iconic images on blotter paper without adding LSD! Herb moved to the San Francisco Bay area in the 1960’s. He ended up in the Haight Asbury neighborhood, teaming up with hippies and musicians. One day, he met Jerry Garcia at a bluegrass café, and the two became friends. Greene booked a portrait session with Garcia’s band, The Warlocks, later renamed the Grateful Dead. Greene became friends with many of the era’s musicians and photographed many. 

Jerry Garcia: Herb Greene, photographer for the Grateful Dead from the beginning, took this photo of Jerry Garcia in the late 60’s. Also known as Captain Trips, Jerry Garcia was an American musician known for being the principal songwriter, lead guitarist, and vocalist with the rock band Grateful Dead, which he co-founded and which came to prominence during the counterculture of the 1960s. Although he disavowed the role, many viewed Garcia as the leader of the band. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 as a member of the Grateful Dead. In 1995, Jerry passed away after a 30-year career with the band. There are two versions of the print, one with red roses and one with blue roses.

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