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Hallows Bag​s

 

The arrangement of the Hallows Bag is devised using a rudimentary spell casting method. Trust is placed in the nature of the materials collected to take their own forms which help greatly in consummating the final intention of the alchemist.

These intentions do not imperil its entity.

Certain “Hallows” bags retain a clipping of the maker’s chosen hair. After it is tethered, the piece becomes devoted to him, whose hair it sits upon. It becomes a personal peace. Refraining from touching this piece will benefit the viewer, as it will ensure no mix of intent.

Adornment on the outside of the smaller vessels sits like armour, or an exoskeleton, protecting valuables within. The adornment protects them from outer auras so that, once finished with the valuables within, they can be returned to the same place as whence these tools were collected. Wood on the bag cleanses the vessel, readying it for its next practice.

 

Two arms of a bag mimic the two arms of a human body and, when worn the loops of the bag are split and lay over the arms, the two arms on the bag become four legs, evoking a four-legged creature.

For one of the bags the receptacle’s arms become ears. Flemish giant fur enriches the centre of this particular bag. The talismanic properties begin here for the vessel because now it alters itself as the rabbits token for benefit over all. Creates not only an art but a form which can hold a functional.

 

2 Francheska Coenraads, Personal Grimoire

 

The bag now possesses a special connection with its owner, both fused by history, these ornaments hold an element of good charm to them.

Many early Americans farmed and had abundant corn and little money. Cobs were used for kindling, the kernels for soup, bread and pudding, the husks for rugs, baskets, mattresses and for dolls. Families of puppets. The colours from botanicals could paint clothes and faces. A ritual delineates the process of boiling the husks to soften them, tying the leaves into a little body, attaching more to make a dress, kernels for buttons and fresh corn silk for yellow hair. Dried wildflowers embellish the rest.

 

The ethos of century old traditions hold great richness in history. Human folklawick folkloric crafts would work towards creating little objects shaped like themselves and inspire endless imaginings in the person to whom they belong.

The modern world now recognised them as dolls, companions, bibelots.

earlier in history dolls were offered as sacrifices to Gods. Figures were used to teach the story of a holy family. In many cultures, dolls were often considered a tool to make people fall in love with one another.

Dolls may look like the people who made them or like supernatural beings. Let these dolls be messengers to you from other times and places; discover what they have to say. 3

 

Talisman

This talisman first began through a personal gathering of natural bibelots which are used to bind. In this particular case, the talisman is a vessel, in which more trinkets can be placed.

Many of the talismans from this group possess their forms as a consequence of an ideology of an intimate narrative about a place and its elements or energy. These collections become charmed ingredients for a spell.

Each individual work is formed from collected substances through daily musings. Within certain locations, the work evolves into an elemental narrative.

Derived from sheep wool, lanolin is a healing oil which heals my skin. The smell evokes a bond between beings. The horsehair is obtained from the horse; a modern day mythical creature. The hair falls as I groom. A parallel is drawn between man and beast. Hair, frequently used for love and binding charms, is an object holding tremendous power and vulnerability. It was believed a magical person’s power could reside in their hair.

 

Leftover pulp from tea, herbal plant organs, fruit peels and seeds are dried and collected. A fable falls into place:

 

‘I use what once gave me energy’ 2 .

The talisman shown in my BFA collection are currently in use. Their current states evolve as they enhance the place in which they dwell. 

Sometimes the talisman is seen paired with an exhibit, elevating the overall invocation of it's viewers.

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