Caitlin Mosher "Papaver Somniferum"

Caitlin Mosher (WA)

Papaver Somniferum
ceramic, poppy pods, mixed media
10" x 12" x 6"

"I was inspired to create a sculpture from poppies a few years ago after looking at the remains of the poppies I grew in my garden. Poppies, specifically the opium poppy (papaver somniferum), have a long and complex history. We have long been using the opium poppy for medicinal, spiritual and recreational purposes, and with that later came abusive colonial exploitation, war, and the opium crisis we face today. For better and for worse, we’ve had a relationship with the opium poppy for centuries, and it’s not going anywhere.
Drawing on my classical history and archaeology background, I learned about ways people have depicted this plant and what meaning it carried for them. I found a distinctive female terracotta votive figurine in Minoan art known as the “Poppy Goddess” from around 1300 BCE, which inspired the bust. I also wanted to reference the “seer” or visionary experiences that many opium users of the romantic era in Britain reported, and the awake and dreaming nature of the undertaking. I have also had experience with opiates, as they were administered to me when I had my child, both with and without my knowledge. My own complicated relationship with the plant inspired many eyes, seeing many stories over centuries of use and experience.
The benefits of the poppy have been known and used for centuries, and their drawbacks have been felt, exploited and ignored for just as long. I believe mindful awareness of our connection to nature can help us heal our society’s relationship with nature and plant medicine."

USES/INDICATIONS
Ancient: food, anaesthetic/sedative, ritual/votive
Contemporary: food, anaesthetic/sedative

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