Sue Heydon’s art installation ‘Enigma’: Nelson Provincial Museum

Sue Heydon’s art installation ‘Enigma’ – currently on display in the Museum’s Upper Gallery – explores the dichotomy of old man’s beard (Clematis vitabla) as both an invasive species and a useful fibre. But did you know of its use as a natural remedy too?

Recognised by Dr. Edward Bach, of Bach’s Flower Remedies, as a healer of maladies such as Indifference, Dreaminess, Inattention and Unconsciousness, Clematis is included as one of five ingredients which form his well-known ‘Rescue Remedy’.

Bach – a house surgeon, doctor, consultant, bacteriologist and pathologist by profession – became interested in holistic healing after defeating a prognosis of only three months to live following the occurrence of a splenic tumour in 1917. Attributing his survival to his ‘sense of purpose’, Bach became frustrated with standard medical practice which focussed on disease over emotional wellbeing at that time. In 1930, he gave up his profitable private practice and devoted himself to the discovery of flower healing remedies. The result: a popular range of Bach’s Flower Remedies which are still very much in use and valued today.

Bach’s remedy is symbolically represented, gently glowing with potential, in a corner of the ‘Enigma’ gallery space, pictured here with Sue Heydon. Find out more about Bach’s Flower Remedies: https://www.bachremedies.com/en-us/bach-story

Enigma is available to view now until Sunday 4 October. Find out more: http://www.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/current-exhibitions/2019/enigma

Image: Braedan Fastier

New Zealand Council of Homeopaths