This series is a conversation on the intertwining parallels between botany and the human body. The focus is not one of biomorphism but concerns the marriage between the function and folklore of botany with the markings and history of a body. Each invented plant is specifically curated to allow the inclusion of a human timeline, creating a new folklore. The narrative behind these processes utilizes varying mediums and is amplified by using nontraditional materials that provide deeper struggle and problem solving: fabric, printmaking, drawing, clay, wax, rubber, latex, hand-sewing and needles.
Zantedeschia nepenthes// Lurking Lily, Carnivorous: Am invading species with grotesque, carnivorous appetites- 2020, Bisqueware, roving wool, wax, rubber, fabric, watercolor, and salt, 12 x 8 in.
A particularly vicious foreign species that lurks in marshes, lush grasslands, and the bones of abandoned homesteads. Though botanical in appearance, this is a traveling species; it migrates through an extension of web-like membrane that sits just below the surface of the soil until it meets that which is to be its meal, diving deep within. Initially, it moves in slowly but as the local flora become used to its presence, it shatters them as a clay pot shatters under a hammer. It consumes the nutrients of all it encounters until the land is barren, except for itself and its brethren. Once migrated forward, the land can regenerate through the occasionally missed seed and pollen of the original hosts. It is, however, rare to find such a landscape fully healed; there still remain bald patches of earth where no vegetation or flora can grow.
A particularly vicious foreign species that lurks in marshes, lush grasslands, and the bones of abandoned homesteads. Though botanical in appearance, this is a traveling species; it migrates through an extension of web-like membrane that sits just below the surface of the soil until it meets that which is to be its meal, diving deep within. Initially, it moves in slowly but as the local flora become used to its presence, it shatters them as a clay pot shatters under a hammer. It consumes the nutrients of all it encounters until the land is barren, except for itself and its brethren. Once migrated forward, the land can regenerate through the occasionally missed seed and pollen of the original hosts. It is, however, rare to find such a landscape fully healed; there still remain bald patches of earth where no vegetation or flora can grow.
"Where they would live"
With the invention of these drippingly dangerous, anatomic concoctions, I wanted to imagine how they would be kept, what would sustain them, and what they would need to maintain existence. What else is a greenhouse, if not a body; a skeletal home of wooden bones, timed nutrients, a controlled atmosphere, and filtered light?
Nepenthes umbilica// Tomb Womb, Carnivorous: An isolated, unique pitcher plant with profound carnivorous appetites, extending to a growth able to consume: lizards, birds, cats, and even, at times, small children- 2020, Bisqueware, roving wool, wax, latex, fabric, ink, watercolor, and salt, 12 x 8 in.
This pitcher plant is perhaps one of the most sinister and dangerous of all its kin. Like all pitchers, it is carnivorous- most feed on the bodies of bugs, small lizards, and the occasional bird- but unlike its kin, it can consume larger prey. To lure in those who wander, it emits a scent that is unique to the oncoming prey, changing as the prey changes. The science behind this is still, to this day, unknown and unfathomable. While it mainly encounters smaller mammals, there are records denoting that when the pitcher is large enough, it has ensnared small children.
The slippery, waxy substance within its mouth is a sedative, creating a sense of tranquility in delusion as it slowly devours victims. While it is formally still unknown, scientists speculate that the sedative shuts down the nervous system and pain receptors- why else would the consumed not try to escape, knowing they were being slowly absorbed?
There is but one tale of a child to escape this tomb, and the details are chilling to say the least. The child remembers smelling scents of honeysuckle and clovers. Upon searching for the sweet sources, they fell within. The pitcher had strategically grown enshrouded in the nook of a thick foliage and as the innocent took a fateful step on a rotting, fallen log above, they fell to their demise. The child recounted that they felt warm and sleepy in a state of dreaming. Miraculously, the noises of the forest outside filtered into those dreams; a raven, jet black and glossy, sat on the remnants of the rotted log above and gently called below. Attempting to get closer, the child began scrambling up the walls, using the thick, fleshy teeth of their tomb to rise above. Upon waking in the darkness of the forest, the child, still numb, began scrambling toward the line of search party lanterns and voices walking through the foliage.
This pitcher plant is perhaps one of the most sinister and dangerous of all its kin. Like all pitchers, it is carnivorous- most feed on the bodies of bugs, small lizards, and the occasional bird- but unlike its kin, it can consume larger prey. To lure in those who wander, it emits a scent that is unique to the oncoming prey, changing as the prey changes. The science behind this is still, to this day, unknown and unfathomable. While it mainly encounters smaller mammals, there are records denoting that when the pitcher is large enough, it has ensnared small children.
The slippery, waxy substance within its mouth is a sedative, creating a sense of tranquility in delusion as it slowly devours victims. While it is formally still unknown, scientists speculate that the sedative shuts down the nervous system and pain receptors- why else would the consumed not try to escape, knowing they were being slowly absorbed?
There is but one tale of a child to escape this tomb, and the details are chilling to say the least. The child remembers smelling scents of honeysuckle and clovers. Upon searching for the sweet sources, they fell within. The pitcher had strategically grown enshrouded in the nook of a thick foliage and as the innocent took a fateful step on a rotting, fallen log above, they fell to their demise. The child recounted that they felt warm and sleepy in a state of dreaming. Miraculously, the noises of the forest outside filtered into those dreams; a raven, jet black and glossy, sat on the remnants of the rotted log above and gently called below. Attempting to get closer, the child began scrambling up the walls, using the thick, fleshy teeth of their tomb to rise above. Upon waking in the darkness of the forest, the child, still numb, began scrambling toward the line of search party lanterns and voices walking through the foliage.
Aristolochia liliales // Invading Pelican, Toxicity: An invading, parasitic species with carnivorous appetites, 2020, Bisqueware, roving wool, wax, latex, fabric, hand sewn and a set of three, 12 x 5 in.
In folklore, an unknown traveler appeared on the blackest of nights, peddling wares. Among the items, a small piece of greenery sprouted; roots and soil wrapped in a piece of cloth, tied with string. The peddler dissuaded it’s purchase with a dripping grin. Entranced with the ominous purchase, a small child began the walk home as behind, the traveler dissipated into the blackest of shadows. The seedling was the bearer of a parasite, buried deep within the roots. With the planting of the seedling came the parasite’s invasion of all surrounding flora; mutating and altering biological functions.Those who came from this town, believe it was a spirit of mischief that brought the parasite bearing seedling.
In folklore, an unknown traveler appeared on the blackest of nights, peddling wares. Among the items, a small piece of greenery sprouted; roots and soil wrapped in a piece of cloth, tied with string. The peddler dissuaded it’s purchase with a dripping grin. Entranced with the ominous purchase, a small child began the walk home as behind, the traveler dissipated into the blackest of shadows. The seedling was the bearer of a parasite, buried deep within the roots. With the planting of the seedling came the parasite’s invasion of all surrounding flora; mutating and altering biological functions.Those who came from this town, believe it was a spirit of mischief that brought the parasite bearing seedling.
Solanaceae batatas // Sugar Shade, Toxicity: Contains high concentrations of solanine and chaconine, 2019, Glazed ceramic, twigs, rubber and fabric 5 x 3 in.
It is said that the Sugar Shade Potato came to be after a harvest of sweet potatoes were left too long in field after harvest. There is no explanation as to the circumstances of the pile. Some speculate, a sickness swept through the town, laying waste to farmers and towns folks alike. Others say it was the spoiled result of cross-plant breeding. Whatever the case, with the sun beating down and moisture accumulating deep within the pile, they turned rotten- sprouting and spreading their newly formed roots deep within the earth. The following harvest year, the farmer had no idea his once life sustaining sweet potatoes had turned for the worst; their roots had crossed into that of the tainted, becoming one in the same. As he carted his crop to the local market, the town would learn the hard way of the spoiled tuber.
It is said that he abandoned his fields and his home in hopelessness. If you look hard enough, you will come across a lush field of potato vines, having spread and consumed the abandoned cottage, barn, and surrounding equipment. Every now and then, a weary traveler, hungry and tired, falls victim to the lush abundance of these "sweet potatoes".
It is said that the Sugar Shade Potato came to be after a harvest of sweet potatoes were left too long in field after harvest. There is no explanation as to the circumstances of the pile. Some speculate, a sickness swept through the town, laying waste to farmers and towns folks alike. Others say it was the spoiled result of cross-plant breeding. Whatever the case, with the sun beating down and moisture accumulating deep within the pile, they turned rotten- sprouting and spreading their newly formed roots deep within the earth. The following harvest year, the farmer had no idea his once life sustaining sweet potatoes had turned for the worst; their roots had crossed into that of the tainted, becoming one in the same. As he carted his crop to the local market, the town would learn the hard way of the spoiled tuber.
It is said that he abandoned his fields and his home in hopelessness. If you look hard enough, you will come across a lush field of potato vines, having spread and consumed the abandoned cottage, barn, and surrounding equipment. Every now and then, a weary traveler, hungry and tired, falls victim to the lush abundance of these "sweet potatoes".
Bryonia majalis // Cadence Braid, Toxicity: Deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids, 2020, Fabric, roving wool, wax, clay, and pins, 26 x 16 in.
Mythology recounts the Cadence Braid as having grown from the braiding of Time and Space. It is said that the braided rope of past, present and future came together quicker than the future called for, growing in length until it touched the Earth. The contact resulted in a pulse that left behind a mark; the arrival of a species of plant meant for future discovery resulting in the altered memory of what was.
Mythology recounts the Cadence Braid as having grown from the braiding of Time and Space. It is said that the braided rope of past, present and future came together quicker than the future called for, growing in length until it touched the Earth. The contact resulted in a pulse that left behind a mark; the arrival of a species of plant meant for future discovery resulting in the altered memory of what was.