Dirt Filled Poppets
Through my practice of working with dirt, I’ve come to understand that dirt carries the memory of what has been before, evoking a deep sense of place and spirit. Running alongside other areas of my practice, I’ve always had a compulsion to make figure-like objects from roots and dirt, using repetitive motions such as binding, wrapping, and burning. I incorporate twigs, roots, wax, leaves, bone, cloth, paper, thread, blackthorn needles, and nearly always dirt. The dirt I collect from sacred sites in West Cornwall, including ancient burial mounds and graveyards, grounds that feel charged, pulsing with an energy that's hard to put into words.
Some of my poppets also contain the ashes of loved ones, which are created on a commission basis.
These figure-like objects are what I refer to as 'poppets.' Poppets are doll-like figures that are made with intention and used in magic and ritual. Many of us have put our faith in dolls of some kind, a loose image of a person, an animal, or a spirit that has brought us comfort, luck, or protection. The crafting of poppets is an ancient pagan art that has been passed down through generations. Making them is a way to connect with our heritage, honour our ancestors, and the earth.
Through my practice of working with dirt, I’ve come to understand that dirt carries the memory of what has been before, evoking a deep sense of place and spirit. Running alongside other areas of my practice, I’ve always had a compulsion to make figure-like objects from roots and dirt, using repetitive motions such as binding, wrapping, and burning. I incorporate twigs, roots, wax, leaves, bone, cloth, paper, thread, blackthorn needles, and nearly always dirt. The dirt I collect from sacred sites in West Cornwall, including ancient burial mounds and graveyards, grounds that feel charged, pulsing with an energy that's hard to put into words.
Some of my poppets also contain the ashes of loved ones, which are created on a commission basis.
These figure-like objects are what I refer to as 'poppets.' Poppets are doll-like figures that are made with intention and used in magic and ritual. Many of us have put our faith in dolls of some kind, a loose image of a person, an animal, or a spirit that has brought us comfort, luck, or protection. The crafting of poppets is an ancient pagan art that has been passed down through generations. Making them is a way to connect with our heritage, honour our ancestors, and the earth.
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