In Botanicals
Women healers practiced medicine for thousands of years.
“In the late Middle Ages (1300-1500 CE), these practices were criminalized, and women who worked with plant medicine were rebranded as witches.“
Witches became an archetype for story telling.
“In her recent paintings of witchy women, Mockrin depicts lush, fertile landscapes replete with plants women used to promote menstrual health, sexual health, and for abortion.”
Botanicals included mandrake, mugwort, fennel and dittany.
In Myth
DAPHNE
Daphne is a river nymph from ancient Greek Mythology.
She was the daughter of the river god Peneus.
Daphne “took a vow of chastity and rejected all romantic advances toward her.
The god Apollo fell in love with the river nymph, and when she rejected him, he attempted to rape her.
Daphne ran to the banks of her father’s river, begging him for help.
Intending to protect his daughter from Apollo’s violence, Peneus transformed her forever into a laurel tree.“
I’m intrigued by how Mockrin depicts Daphne as 3 different faces.
Turns out it is 3 stages of transforming – right to left. It comes originally from a poem by Sophia Stid (2020) DAPHNE PURSUED BY APOLLO.
The polestar of Mockrin’s painting is Daphne’s face. Apollo is banished to the outside of the frame.
SYRINX
A Greek and Roman myth, it resembles the tale of Daphne.
“Srynx ran from the satyr Pan, who tried to rape her.
As she approached the shore of a river, she called out to her river nymph sisters for help.
They transformed her into a crop of reeds, which Pan cut to fashion a flute from her.
Even the invention of wind instruments was used to justify sexual violence in the ancient world”.
Sexual violence and even the invention of wind instruments…? I didn’t find further info re; that statement, but…
I did stumble upon a painting of Pan chasing Srynx, by – Jean-François de Troy. The free download (& more info) is from the Getty Museum. Click Srynx on the left to view the page.
Could not resist a compare image of Jesse Mockrin’s vision, with Jean-François de Troy’s.
Pics taken by Resa – May 14, 2024
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
Source: Getty Images – Flag Art Foundation & Art Gallery of Ontario – “Bold italics in quotes are from the plaquards by the paintings”.
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
All the paintings are really masterpieces! Excellent post and choise. We thank you for all these informations. My best regards.
I agree, Giannis.
Jesse Mockrin’s style is competent and fresh. Moreover her style is new and intriguing.
Thank you for checking out this art, and your lovely message! Best to you, too.
Wow, what a captivating blend of mythology and art, Resa! You’ve made my morning! Thanks for spotlighting the Mockrin’s witchy women. I find it really interesting that the paintings incorporated plant medicine. Forbidden Fruit seems to leap out of the canvas! What a quietly powerful painting; I love the skull, intertwining hands, and the composed yet masterful expressions on the women’s faces. The fact that one is pregnant also highlights the inherent power women possess when it comes to creating and playing a central role in the circle of life/death. Thanks for sharing! 💀🪷🌸
Thank you Ada!
Yay, I am so happy I made your morning. That is so cool.
Yes, Forbidden Fruit holds a lot of meaning. I did not see all of that at first. The painting is huge, as is much of Jesse’s art. I must tell you that this piece (all of her work) is all encompassing, almost 3D…. sculptural.
It is breathtaking to look at. So it is not until I sit down and look at my pics that I see further meaning, beyond all I knew it meant when standing before it.
This is a fresh new artist with a personally unique style to making her art intellectually stimulating, as well as wonderful to the eyes.
🤍🌹🎨🌹🤍
Well done, Resa. I hear and appreciate the message. History’s vilification of women healers, subjugating them at the price of everyone’s health — they thought it was worth the price for their egos. It’s such a reflection of today… Big hugs.
Thank you Teagan!
I was wowed at this exhibit. I knew I was in for a treat, but I never imagined the magic it would weave, until I was there.
Yes, history has not been kind to women. I agree with you about today. Imo, modern times are still unkind to women. We (in 1st world countries) have it better than many of our sisters before us, but there are many, many today, everywhere, who are still marginalized in the minds of men.
A real drag is that there are many women who support the idea of patriarchy and male dominance.
Thank you for sharing your light on this post! HUGS!!
Exactly! (“there are many women who support the idea of patriarchy and male dominance.”) That is the part that infuriates and disgusts me. I’ve encountered at least as much of that from women as from men. I think single women and those who did not have children get exposed to much, much more of that part than the “typical” woman…
Thank you, Teagan!
One day…. one day!!!!!!!!
HUGS!
This is such a wonderful post, Resa. There’s so much to think about here, including the justifications for sexual violence–a male game. This is a post to come back to. I love the art and the powerful poem by Sophia Stid.
The idea of women being “the weaker sex” who shouldn’t be educated or allowed power returning in the current regime here and elsewhere in the world. I believe this is tied to a fear of women’s bodies (somehow we’re the ones who control male lust), the ability to give birth, etc, which is tied to women healers and witchcraft.
As cities grew, and young people moved from rural areas and away from female relatives, both in Europe and the Americas, and medicine became a male profession, medicinal plant lore was lost.
Anyway–lots to think about! 😊
Merril… I get shivers reading Sophia’s poem. She definitely took me further than I expected, especially having seen the painting first. How could a message be more poignant?
“the father-god who could not stop
the rape but could turn his daughter into a tree—
what kind of power is that, and how does it still river through
our world?”
I have to say, I thought of you, of your style of writing. You are this powerful.
I’ve never been able to articulate it, but yes, in my bones I feel it is because we give birth that we are dangerous, to be controlled.
“medicine became a male profession”… history shows us that when women are on to something, men will claim it, or bury it (as in the MHM collection I have been showing). Further history… women assert, claw back…. further into today where I see some males repossessing.
🤍💙
Thank you for that huge compliment, Resa. That poem was so powerful!
It’s an age-old fear, unfortunately.
Midwives handled births, “women’s issues,” and often often other healing. Medicine became more of a profession in the late 18th century, and that is when physicians began to take charge of births (especially for more elite women). It also led to more deaths of mothers and children because the doctors often did not wash their hands. Women, of course, could not go to medical school.
(Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to go to medical school in the US in 1849.)
1849 – SIGH!
Emily Stowe was Canada’s – 1869
I read an interesting stat about handwashing.
Re: public toilets – more women wash their hands after going, not just rinse. A lesser % of men do not wash after going, and most of those just rinse.
(from memory)Pasteur suggested the king’s daughter hand washed before birthing. The daughter died. Pasteur was banned.
It doesn’t surprise me about women and men’s habits.
Maybe it was the doctor who did or didn’t wash his hands?
The doctor did not was his hands. Accused Pasteur of heresy.
That’s what I assumed you meant.
Fascinating, Resa! Another depressing example of women’s expertise being devalued, but an inspiring/visually rich post as well.
Aww, thank you Dave.. not just for liking the post, but for feeling depressed! 😂
Lol… I appreciate your ability to recognize a woman is a human equal to a man who is a human, your sensitivity to see past injustice and your support in this area.
As a woman, it is just insane to think we are not equally valued. Thank you for being you!!!!!
You’re welcome, Resa, and thanks so much for the very kind words. 🙂
“As a woman, it is just insane to think we are not equally valued” — insane indeed. 😦
Thank you, Dave! 🤍
🙂
Captivating and evocative paintings. The ugly backstory of patriarchy and male aggression is sadly still all too relevant. Thanks for shining some light on this Resa.
Yes, the paintings are truly evocative. They blew me over in real life. Mockrin’s paintings are sort of 3D. Chilling.
Brad, thank you for being a lovely male, who appreciates that women are equals on this earth.
You are welcome, and thank you for this wonderful comment!
You’re most welcome.
💙
Excellent post and history lesson.
Thank you dear Tim! xoxo
Dear Resa,, thank you so much!
These images are absolutely stunning, and your insights into the history of women healers and these powerful myths are fascinating.
Thank you again for this wonderful art lesson!
I agree, Luisa. Jesse Mockrin’s paintings are breathtaking. In real life they are like being in a room with real people. There is something 3D about her fresh style that drives home this old message of patriarchy.
She is truly an artist for our times.
You are welcome, and I am thrilled you enjoyed the post. 🌹
Thank you again for this beautiful reply, dear Resa🌹
🎨💙
This art is stunning in the backstory, dear Resa. Such a courageous artist. Women’s eternal fight for freedom and control over the their bodies is shockingly revealed in these paintings. The fight still continues and once again is a matter of life and death. The message is a reminder that women must continue to support one another . Thank you for sharing this remarkable art and message.
xoxoxoxoxo
Yes, courageous is a terrific word to describe Jesse’s art. She does not shy away from the message of male dominance. Further, she exposes it and asks why?
The poem that inspired this painting is crazy powerful. Many women have been and are still shouting our pov. Men are responding. Some are with us. Some are against us.
The art is almost lifelike… 3D – like you are living the message in the art with the women she has painted. I am so happy I saw this show.
Jesse Mockrin is truly an artist with a message, now and forever.
Thank you for your message of solidarity, dear Holly. And yes, the pendulum keeps swinging. It seems to be in a not great position in the USA right now. Sigh!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Trumps corrupt Supreme Court has set women’s rights back 50 years.
I don’t know what world they are living on but thru are obsessed with procreation and Vance wants to do away with all forms of contraception. His wife just had their fourth child and. admitted she was basically manipulated into it.
While families are struggling they want them to have more children.
It’s a sick bunch of misogynists.
UCH!
Misogyny is just another word for endless.
I got a chuckle out of Gi’s comment on this post. She sure know how to be pointed on this issue!
Love ya!
Just going through the Bowie pics now.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Thank you, Resa. I love your explorations in Art that you share with us.
You are most welcome, Cheyenne.
Art makes my world make sense (whether good or ill sense).
And I love looking at it.
Loved it, Resa. Your photos are beautiful.
Thank you John! OX 🎨X 🤍X
😊X
yes.
YES!
~~~~~💙~~~~~
💫✨ʁɞşα✨💫
The artist is truly gifted and intelligent, an unbeatable combination!
Thank you for this!
xoxoxoxoxo
Agree and you are welcome!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
What I found interesting was the really dark background of most of these pieces. As if the figures are posed against black curtains and lit by a steady light – not moonlight or candlelight. The faces are like masks with rarely a wrinkle or freckle.
Yes, a lot of the exhibition was on dark. It made the images more 3D, which they are. Even the ones on white.
I know what you mean about the faces.. they are doll-like.
Her paintings can look like 3D dolls.
There’s one quadriptych I haven’t shown, yet. It is based on a sculpture, and the paintings look like sculptures.
She is a unique, talented artist.
Thank you, Jan!
It’s very hard to look away from Mockrin’s paintings, particularly the faces. Are they painted in a particular style? The style looks familiar, but I can’t place it.
Happy Monday morning, Liz!
I find Mockrin’s work powerful, but I don’t know where this style comes from. It’s very 3D… doll like in a way.
I did a post on her awhile ago. Perhaps that is what you are referring?
I find it’s not just her paintings that is hard to look away from, but the messages in her paintings. She is pro-women and speaks loudly to our fate on this planet.
Happy Monday Evening, Resa!
The other post could be what I’m remembering. Her style also reminds me somewhat of 1970s hyperrealism.
…and Tamara de Lempicka came to mind just now! https://tamaradelempicka.org/
Yes, that’s it!
Yayay!!!!
😀
Violence against women never ends and always was. This is so horrible…again. You did such a fantastic job with this post. We need to constantly be reminded of what men do to women, including fathers who instead of stopping the man, turn their daughters into trees. Heartbreaking that nothing changes. This is wonderful. I’m going to reblog it. Great job…again.
You are right, and it is sooo tiring that we must constantly speak out.
Jesse Mockrin is speaking loudly through her art.
She is my fave contemporary artist. Whose paint is so evocative today?
A sad laugh… but our father’s best bet is turning us into trees hits home in me… many funny bones, many broken bones, deep in heart.
Thank you Gi! Love you! xoxoxo
Isn’t it interesting that from a long dead pantheon we are still receiving artistic renditions of the most famous myths. The Greeks were an enigma even to themselves, yet they never stopped influencing the world even after the ancient Greeks only existed as myths, legends, and architectural artifacts. I think they created gods in their own image and their archetypes are still buried inside us. The greatest tragedy of humankind was to systematic and purposeful elimination of the strongest connection we had to natural healing. We’ve paid the terrible price for that ever since. Now the true threat to the health of humanity are the triumvirate of evil; pharma, insurance, and institutional physicians.
Gives me goosebumps Resa. Thank you.
Yes, I know what you mean! You are welcome, Cindy! 🤍
these images tell powerful stories
Yes… and somehow I missed this comment.
Thank you, Beth!
Such an impressive post, Resa… truly wonderful! 💖 I love this painting style, to me it somehow looks both classical and contemporary, and the tension between the two ways of perceiving it makes it all the more fascinating.
I also love the name Daphne, I even wrote a poem including it in the story, so to say, although I used another spelling version of it. It is part of a special series of longer poems that I wrote a few years back, called Cradle of Stars (I could share a link to it, if you would like to read, I don’t mean to impose).
Art, in all its forms, is such a splendid thing… hard to imagine life without it. Sadly, I cannot say the same about history, although… yes, without it we wouldn’t be what or where we are now, true. Still, some history chapters (in books movies, etc) can bring back so much sadness and suffering, I personally try to look beyond that somehow. 😊 Thank you, Resa, for a beautiful article and gorgeous photos!
WELCOME!
Crazy… I missed a few comments.
My apologies, Nicole!
Yes, Mockrin has an almost unique style, realistic, yet doll-like. I adore her work.
I would LOVE to read Cradle of Stars!!!!! Please send link! Maybe you will let me use it in an a post sometimes?
Nicole, I am thrilled you like this post. I adore that the blog world I participate in is filled with artists of all genres.
Also, my latest post on Art Gowns – Sad Cafe III – was Fresh Pressed, and I am literally sorting through hundreds of emails. (time consuming,…. still I am honoured to be Fresh Pressed)
OKAY, Nicole, be well, and Send That Link!!! xo
Thank you, Resa, and congratulations on your post being Freshly Pressed! 😊 Here is a link to my Dafnee and Wess poem in my Cradle of Stars series. It is the second one in this 5-poem series that I wrote between 2017 and 2022. I hope you enjoy my dreamy post, and of course you can use it in a post of yours sometimes, thank you for the thought… your blogs feel like two special gems. 💖
That is true, the blog world is a wonderful place to be, I find it quite relaxing too, when I can take time off from my daily routine. Wishing you well too, Resa, and have a lovey weekend! 🌷💕
Thank you, Nicole & I’ll check out the links right now!
I shall return. ꧁💙꧂
Beautiful poetry, Nicole.
I’ve copied the links, and I hope to find some art to put with one of these… or perhaps passage(s).
Thank you! You write beautifully! ꧁💙꧂
Thank you very much, Resa! I am delighted and very happy you enjoy reading my verses… thank you too! 🌹 💖
I did!
I’m a voting member of the Emmys and it’s voting time. So, I find myself watching more TV than I normally would.
However, I value my membership and in order to cast honest votes, I watch everything in the categories.
Things will slow down mid-September, and I will re read them then… and see if they go with any of the masse of art I have collected in photos.
꧁★꧂
Each painting is a breathtaking masterpiece, showcasing extraordinary talent and creativity
Yes, I totally agree. .Mockrin’s artwork is special, especially in our AI world.
Thank. you for commenting!
Perfect art to highlight this weekend as Greek Mythology is even more popular now with the release of Nolan’s The Odyssey that’s making a killing at the box office.
These paintings are all masterpieces, but I especially love that first image Old Magic, so striking, and the way it depicts sheer fabric is just awe-inspiring! It reminds me of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet who’s thought of as a witch largely due to her deep knowledge of plant medicine and herbal remedies, it shows how ignorant people were (and probably still are).
Beautiful post as always, Resa!!
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
It’s making a killing, eh? I’m sure you will be reviewing it. I’ll watch out for it.
I still haven’t seen Hamnet. It was only streaming on Prime, but it might be somewhere else as well now. I’ll check, but not until this Emmy craziness is over. Slogging my way though the Sci-Fi stuff. Alien Earth sucks!
I’m into herbs, 100%. Doesn’t hurt to try. Still, one has to be careful, especially if one has plant/food allergies.
Ohhh, nice emojis!
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂ (back at ya!)
Love the botanicals and witchy women. My sisters! 💜💚❌⭕
Yes… sisters! xx💜💚oo
Yay us! xoxo🥰💜💜
There is a lot of rape in Greek mythology. Tsss.
(as an aside I’ve finished reading the Iliad and the Odyssey… An endless succession of war, destruction and looting… Re-tsss.)
… mythology.. babies born from the brain.. sneaking into beds…yes rape, rape, rape.
Kill, kill, kill…
Hmm, they were onto something, as not much has changed.
Sure, the chariot became a car, but rape stayed rape.
Sigh! I have been inundated on my other blog. WP Fresh Pressed my post. I had an extra 100 email notices when I woke up.
I don’t need more followers. I am very happy with the WP pals I have.
xoxo
And there would seem to be an increase in -at least reported- rape. What a world.
Fresh pressed? Congrats.
Hopping right there…
👏🏻
You are so lovely Brian!
Did you get that National Art Gallery, yet? xoxoxo
A pleasure Resa
Not yet, week was a bit complicated. Not sure when I’ll go, but I’ve made a note of it…
When you say “your other blog, you mean Art Gowns? Last post is Sad Café? Or did I miss something?
No, you did not miss anything. It is Sad Cafe III that got Fresh Pressed. I got another 150 email notices last night.
It’s exhausting, so EF IT! I’ll get to them all when I get to them.
OH! I walked to a railroad underpass near me. There were at least a dozen artists painting under it. Some recognized me (the street art fan) and gave me big HI’s, and one even hugged me.
LOL.
They said they will be finished this weekend. First nice day next week, I’m taking pics!
EXCITED!!!
So it is Sad Café. Compliments.
Careful with underpasses.
But it seems you’re well known in the street art community. Well deserved too.
Look forward to that next post. (It must be exciting to view the progress too. Did you take pix this time?)
Hugs
It was so great to be recognized. AND hugged.
I did take pics… yes.
However, not sure when I’ll post them. Soon… ish… Maybe in a couple of posts?
I’ll see when I see the finished art.
Quite exciting.
There is so much art I want to share. I just finished Bowie… Holly will post that, but I still answer comments, and reblog.
So I pic my faves. I’m sure you do that.
I’ve wanted to do just single shots of faces… some of yours and mine… for quite awhile. I need to buckle down…. LOL!
xoxo🥰
Bowie sounds very cool.
Happy Street Art hunting.
And a happy weekend.
💕
Yes… I found out they plan to coat all that art in the underpass. I’m on the move, They said they will be finished Sunday. Then there’s 3 days with t thunderstorms.
I’m pretty sure they won’t shellac on those days. That’s when I’ll go. ❦~ ❆ ꧁💙꧂ ❆ ~❦
👍🏻 (Shellac?)
Shiny – weather proof – clear – can wash graffiti tags off.
Got it. Over tags are… insulting really.
What a magnificent article! Thank you, my friend; thank you for introducing me to these fascinating artists. It is truly strange to read about and know of the ancient Greek gods’ violence against women!
However, I am captivated by these excellent and beautiful paintings; a masterwork! Thank you again!
👏👍🤗🙏💖💖
I’m with you, Aladin. Violence against women seems to be born with the planet. And yes, the paintings are beautiful.
Really, the beauty of Mockrin’s work is enough. The fact they hold messages in history is a massive bonus.
Take care dear friend!
xo❦~ ❆ ꧁💙꧂ ❆ ~❦xo
I will do so, and thank you for your kind heart; I truly appreciate it.
꧁💙꧂꧁💙꧂