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, an energy that's hard to put into words.
These figure-like objects are what I refer to as 'poppets.' Poppets are doll-like figures, an ancient pagan art, that are made with intention and used in magic and ritual. Despite our own beliefs, 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.
Some of my poppets also contain the ashes of loved ones, which are created on a commission basis. The act of making these is deeply profound and sacred, an honour that connects me with the stories and memories of those who have passed. Crafting these poppets is not just a creative process, I make them with a profound sense of reverence and love. It is a privilege to be entrusted with such meaningful materials.
The act of making poppets is akin to creating votive offerings. Both practices involve a deep sense of devotion and intentionality. Just as votives are created to symbolise prayers, wishes, and gratitude, poppets serve as physical representations of intentions and memories. "The repetitive motions I use in crafting these figures, whether binding, wrapping, or sculpting, bring about a meditative state, allowing an opportunity for reflection whilst making.
Each poppet, holds within it the power of intention, devotion, and a human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves.
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, an energy that's hard to put into words.
These figure-like objects are what I refer to as 'poppets.' Poppets are doll-like figures, an ancient pagan art, that are made with intention and used in magic and ritual. Despite our own beliefs, 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.
Some of my poppets also contain the ashes of loved ones, which are created on a commission basis. The act of making these is deeply profound and sacred, an honour that connects me with the stories and memories of those who have passed. Crafting these poppets is not just a creative process, I make them with a profound sense of reverence and love. It is a privilege to be entrusted with such meaningful materials.
The act of making poppets is akin to creating votive offerings. Both practices involve a deep sense of devotion and intentionality. Just as votives are created to symbolise prayers, wishes, and gratitude, poppets serve as physical representations of intentions and memories. "The repetitive motions I use in crafting these figures, whether binding, wrapping, or sculpting, bring about a meditative state, allowing an opportunity for reflection whilst making.
Each poppet, holds within it the power of intention, devotion, and a human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves.
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