I have recently converted my dad's drawings into digital copies to use later in my art practice through the cyanotype process. I started with the orchid I discovered when I was six and was named after me, Epidendrum milenae - and I am sure I could tell you a wonderful story about it on a different occasion. After scanning and cleaning the drawing in Photoshop, I carefully removed the dust and blemishes, accentuating the lines. As I trace the pencil strokes with the mouse, I'm transported back in time, feeling the confident yet imperfect marks of my father's hand and the 2H pencil. I can almost feel his hand movements as he drew the lines with certainty and purpose. I notice the mistakes too, and I can make out the telltale signs of blue eraser marks on the sketching paper. I can tell that he tried to fix them. Now is my turn to embellish and bring them to life.

The other day, I decided to trace one of his Passiflora drawings onto a sheet of translucent paper. As I forged his pencil strokes, I could almost feel the type of paper he used - Canson, with its fine grain and delicate smell of the past. The drawing, a bit yellow and fuzzy, was a reminder of the beauty of his discoveries.

As I follow his food steps, I realize that it is not him whom I want to become but me, with him as my guide and mentor.