Posted March 11, 20232 yr Hello all, At the talk Thursday, we discussed possibly getting together again but this time we would all work with the same plant (s) and compare. I am up for it if anyone else is. I think the hard part will be finding a plant that is easily accessible to all. Someone mentioned mint, which I think is a good idea. I collected some dandelion root today, maybe some dandelion root tea would work as well? We could do two 'tasting'? If there is interest, we just need to agree on what plants to use and I can set up another meeting. Lorrie
March 12, 20232 yr I’d be up for another group journey! I also liked your idea of an art project afterwards. Nice dandelion roots, Lorrie! They’re so long! Plantain is also another readily available wild weed.
March 12, 20232 yr Or red clover? http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Edible_plants/RedClover/RedClover.html
March 12, 20232 yr Author Oh Red Clover! I have wanted to try it. I don't know how many is a good number to try but we could set up a schedule if we have a lot everyone wants to try. And I love the idea of creating art afterwards. Let's plan that too, Lorrie
March 13, 20232 yr Author Okay here is our list so far: Plantain Red Clover Mint Dandelion I'm guessing that Mint and Dandelion and then maybe clover and plantain will be the most accessible in that order? Also, @cammie did you have a particular art project in mind? Lorrie
March 16, 20232 yr On 3/14/2023 at 9:37 AM, silenceseeker said: Also, @cammie did you have a particular art project in mind? Hmm… well, now that you mention it, maybe we could draw/paint/sketch our impressions of the plant energy (everyone’s descriptions were so visual and beautiful!) instead of write about it afterward, the way Monique prompted, and/or a combination of the two. Now, that makes me think of those old herbalist books that have a drawing of a plant with what the leaves/roots/flowers were good for, etc.., except Maker style. Doesn’t have to be anything flash ofc.
March 16, 20232 yr It’s was hard to accurately depict my impressions during the plant mediation but it was definitely fun trying Here’s my drawing from working with Turkey tail mushrooms .
March 17, 20232 yr Author Ah, thank you, Cammie, that helps me understand better where you are coming from. Is that drawing on chalkboard or dark pastel paper, just curious. I think that's an excellent idea. I am a visual processer too and it really helps me to gain better understanding by drawing or even writing out things later. I actually came here to post something else based on where I thought you were going. I think it's also something we can consider as another way to explore the energy of plants, especially if you are artistically inclined but really, it can be done through music, writing, physically making things,..;this is just one starting point. I agree though, it's hard to put these interactions in words and we should explore different ways to express the knowledge we are getting from the plants/fungi. So, I originally thought you were talking about plant spirit type portraits something similar to the attached but from a maker viewpoint and something that we got from the plant - a vibe or mood or sense of personality or information on how it works or connects with the world, etc. I would be totally open to setting up a gallery for this type of work if people want to try it. The more ways we can express our experiences, the deeper our knowledge, is how I feel. And it would be interesting to see how people's experiences compared using the same plant. I'll also post soon about our next plant meditation date and what plant/plants Lorrie
March 17, 20232 yr 3 hours ago, silenceseeker said: So, I originally thought you were talking about plant spirit type portraits something similar to the attached Yeah! I actually did…. I didn’t really portray it very well, it’s the sort of ambiguous, hazy form next to the actual mushroom. It appeared like that (glowing with tufty ear-like things) but with dark “eyes”. To be honest, I didn’t know if I was anthropomorphizing what I was seeing too much? But I like the attached images! Those mandrake drawings are wicked! So maybe I’ll run with it some more in that context. It was colored pencil on black paper.
March 17, 20232 yr Author I see it now! I really like your drawing, it's very original and not anthropomorphized really, I don't object to doing that, I just think it's a slippery slope to travel on as it's so inviting to do. Thank you for sharing and for suggesting this, I think it's a great idea! Lorrie
March 18, 20232 yr Hi Lorrie, I'm interested in another plant meditation. A thought about logistics regarding all of us using the same plant: Possibly a tentative schedule (April is Mint, May is ? and so on) this would be helpful for people like me , who need to order the plant from an apothecary or farm if we don't have it handy. I'd love to do this monthly! And I love the idea of Mint for spring!
March 19, 20232 yr Mint would be lovely to explore, especially as it's ubiquitous and could be interesting to challenge assumptions we have about it. We could explore the difference between fresh/dried. I'm feeling inspired to start collecting my experiences in a journal of some kind. A maker materia medica of sorts!
March 22, 20232 yr Author I love the journal idea, I've kind of started one already so I'm half way there! I'm up for mint - really all, I have some mint that I think has started growing and I know there's plantain available and dandelion. I would have to go looking for Turkey Tail but I am guessing it would not be too hard to find. Ideally, it would be great if we had it growing in our yards or in pots to use but it's not essential. If anyone has any suggestions on how to get the best quality herbs if you have to purchase them. Fresh and dried...so many options I've never considered but can see how it could make a difference. Lorrie
March 25, 20232 yr @Monique do you recommend any apothecaries or farms you've ordered from? just trying to narrow the search if possible, thank you!🌿
