Page 38 - The Enso Circle Continuing Residents, Exhibition Catalog, Spring 2023

ARTIST STATEMENT

Mary Frances Spears

My time this spring has been a literal journey. As we traveled to the west in

early March it was with hopes of witnessing “super blooms” throughout the
desert southwest. What I didn’t anticipate was recording the last 2 months of
my mother’s life through the roadside moments of wildflowers sightings.

I choose to memorialize this time with a photographic triptych “Apricot Mallow”.

The story of the Apricot Mallow spans unknown centuries of nomadic and pueblo
peoples as well as the pioneers and immigrants that would follow. The Navajo

refer to it as a Life Medicine, utilizing every part of the plant. From healing
salves that soothe abrasions to burns to immune boosting teas that are still used

today for sore throats and decongestants.

Because mallow grows in disturbed soils, on trails, and along roads, this

perennial quickly grows up to 3 feet tall when moisture is present. One story
relates how nomadic tribes would often drag their walking sticks to disturb the

soil along their travels to create places for the mallow to germinate, harvesting a
fresh “crop” on their return journey

These images where capture at sunrise on the Pahranagat National Wildlife
Refuge, a sacred place believed by the Southern Paiute to be were life and

heaven begin.

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