Roots of Pelargonium sidoides, 2020

Ceramic sculpture, wood base.

This piece is a further development of ceramic sculpture begun during the artist’s residency at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) as part of the Plant Cure Project. The roots of this specific type of pelargonium plant were used for treatment of respiratory and other types of illnesses in traditional medicine practice of South Africa, the original habitat of this species. These plants are now commercially grown for their roots, which are used in modern allopathic respiratory treatment. The idea to create three-dimensional forms, with the roots enlarged was inspired by the Auzoux plant models in the library at BBG.

6.5 x 8 x 10 inches