{ Ethereal Herbal Invocation }
Jenny and Pocoyo (2024)
eco-printed fabric, tent, clay pool, plant tinctures, test tubes, pipette, cushion, projector
Embark on a multi-sensory journey through 'Ethereal Herbal Invocation,' a captivating techno-ritual that blends handcrafted elements with technology. Inspired by plant alchemy, folk herbal magic, and the tradition of ritualistic quarter calling, the installation invites communion with plant spirits.
Guided by invocations honouring the four elements and corresponding herbs, entering the tent and stepping into the 'Green Circle' becomes a gateway to a deeply personal, spiritual experience. Within this immersive space, ethereal projections and resonant sounds bathe a clay pool of mystical waters and herbal essence.
Through an interactive ritual, participants embark on a ceremonial exploration of the four elements and ancient herbal wisdom. Explore the properties of magical herbs through chants and their aromas. These herbal essences are then symbolically manifested by dropping them into the healing pool, enhancing the transformative nature of the experience.
There are Witches still, who walk unshod upon the earth and listen to the murmurings of the trees and garland themselves with sacred herbs while the Moon watches far above.
_ Scott Cunningham
Ethereal Herbal Invocation, 2024, installation front view in Copeland Gallery
The installation features a teepee-style spiritual tent, its fabric eco-printed with hues extracted from plants and flowers, creating a sheltered space. Inside, a clay-made healing pool, embellished with elemental symbols, stones, and tree branches. The water’s surface acts as a canvas for projected videos. Encircling the pool are four herbal tinctures - lavender, chamomile, marigold, and mugwort - each aligned with an alchemical element (Air, Water, Fire, Earth). Surrounding soil, moss, plants, and tree branches further enhance the natural atmosphere. Viewers are warmly encouraged to kneel upon provided cushions and participate in the ritual using test tubes and pipettes filled with corresponding herbal essences.
This video showcases close-up details of the healing pool, highlighting the natural material decorations and elemental symbols adorning the clay pool. The shallow waters are filled with herbal essence, and projections are displayed on the water surface.
Images showing participants engaging with the ritual. The participants read the instruction book, smell the herbal essence in the test tube, and drop it with the pipette into the healing pool.
Video showing participants dropping the herbal essence into the healing pool with projected moving images on the water
This is the accompanying instruction handmade guidebook. It shows how the interactive ritual works, including chants for herbs and their magical properties as a guide for the audience.