Mutual Making is an ongoing series of botanical inspired projects initiated by Dhana Merritt (artist/naturopath), and Caitlin Franzmann (artist). Mutual Making has presented events throughout nationally, interacting with local ecosystems, plant enthusiasts, scientists, healers and keepers of plant wisdom. We open our experimental research and making process with others through tea drinking, divination, workshops and conversations - creating inclusive experiences to grow cultural education and expand understanding of the entangled relationships between people, place, and plants.
Drawing Stories From Old Stones was a multi-sensory event with petrified plants held at The Condensery on 11 February 2023 as part of the exhibition Natural State. For this event, Landscape architect, Christoph Pester brought along a selection of his petrified plant collection (plants that have transformed into stone over time) and shared how ancient stories of earth are revealed through their unique colours and cellular patterns. The conversation continued into a petrified plant drawing session guided by Caitlin, whilst sipping on a ‘deep time’ refreshment created by Dhana. Through listening, observing, sharing, drawing and tasting, participants were invited to trace time and sense their collective relationship to plants and fungi of the past and present.
Weed Wanderings was a guided weed walk with weed expert Kate Wall, followed by relaxed conversation over an iced dandelion and chicory refreshment sweetened with condensed milk. From the lawn to the creek around the The Condensery gallery, participants were invited to consider what we can learn from weeds – how to read the conditions of the land and how to best understand and support the biodiversity of each specific context.
For the duration of our residency with Watch This Space we stayed at Ilwempe (whitegums) experiencing the generosity and commitment of property custodians Keith and Stella. In exchange for our board, we ‘buffelled’ -the hand removal of introduced buffel grass to allow space for sleeping seeds and young seedlings of endemic plants to thrive. Led and encouraged by Keith and a rare rainfall, the morning buffel squad experienced the tenacity of this grass and how it releases its grip post rain. We also learnt about it’s history and the conflicting politics around its presence.
Mutual Making created ‘Surrender Spritz’ – the essence of buffel grass captured in double rainbow rainwater. Its name derives from the ease experienced during buffelling after rain. Normally the roots of this tenacious plant grip tight requiring extra effort. Not only does the rain’s moisture soften the soil for ease of removal the additional sound is soothing to the ear. A light mist across the face of Surrender Spritz essence can help with the gradual uprooting and release of what you are resisting to let go. Surrender to the double rainbow!
We also created ‘Majestic Guardians’ essence which was charged under the new moon, three shooting stars and our mutual Scorpio moon rising sign, during a field research trip to Yarretyeke (Redbank Gorge), Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National Park). The dual essence of Tall Mulla Mulla and Spinifex increases feelings of protection and ease with others. Ethereal Tall Mulla Mulla encourages a softness to the sharp edge of Spinifex. Spinifex offers grounded protection to Tall Mulla Mulla’s exuberance. Majestic Guardian essence awakens possibilities that stem from differing perspectives.
In 2018, Mutual Making generated a space for plant thinking and the creation and sharing of plant wisdom and experiences over conversation, divination, and tea-drinking, as a part of Liquid Architecture's day long events 'A Plant is a community' at Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and 'Mangrove,Casuarina, Cotton Tree, Palm' at Home of The Arts, Surfers Paradise. Dhana created a seed infused tea chilled with honey ice and Caitlin offered seed based divination readings. For the HOTA event, artist and seed enthusiast Sophie Munns joined us in observing, drawing and drawing out stories of the multidimensional significance of seeds with a workshop on preserving and promoting genetic biodiversity in the face of climate change. These events were part of a series 'Why Listen to Plants' curated by Danni Zuvela.
'Mutual Making' was initially an event held at Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre, October 2017 curated by Caitlin Franzmann to celebrate the close of her 6 month artist residency with the centre. The program included a refreshment of Native Sarsaparilla and Boronia cordial made and served by Dhana Merritt. Aunty Lilla Watson provided warm and wise words as acknowledgement of country. A yarning circle was held by artist Carol McGregor for growing cultural knowledge and understanding of traditional plants and their uses by Australian indigenous people. Visitors ‘confessed’ their stories to artist Sally Molloy about an experience they’ve had relating to the death of an animal as part of her ongoing series Memorial To All The Animals We’ve Ever Had To Kill. And Caitlin launched her divination cards ‘Fortunes of the Forest’ (created with Man Cheung) with one-on-one readings. Mckisko (Helen Franzmann) performed an acoustic set in the forest setting to complete the afternoon.