The Poppy Project, 2010-Now
"Squatting is the oldest mode of tenure in the world, and we are all descended from squatters. This is as true of the Queen [of the United Kingdom] with her 176,000 acres (710 km2) as it is of the 54 percent of householders in Britain who are owner-occupiers. They are all the ultimate recipients of stolen land, for to regard our planet as a commodity offends every conceivable principle of natural rights." -Colin Ward
The Poppy Project is a multi-faceted project founded in 2010 that ultimately aims to re-contextualize the California Poppy, and subsequently, any protected species as a symbol and tool for land reclamation and ecological non-violent action. The bright orange of the California Poppy acts as a warning to developers, that the community has chosen to take over this piece of land.
Currently the Poppy Project is manifested through Bomb/Balm workshops, skill shares, The California Poppy Militia, Revolution in Oz (The Official Zine of The CPC), The Californa Poppy Collective Honey Sage Sumac Beer, as well as drawings, videos, photographs and objects that both document and are inspired by the project.
The California Poppy Militia:
The California Poppy Militia is a counter-military, ecological action group. Consisting of three equal units, the CPM contains no hierarchies, and seeks to make an organized effort towards the mass planting of California Poppies. The Foot Soldiers and Cavalry consist of those who choose to participate in the physical planting of the seeds, either by foot, bicycle, or vehicle. The Engineers are made up of individuals who wish to contribute to research and techniques. The Engineers seek more innovative ways for plantings to be successful. The Propagandists work to graphically proliferate the project through posters, internet presence, and branding. Those who wish to participate in the CPM may choose to make their own uniforms, zines, and chapters of the militia. All members self-regulate their individual level of participation and answer to themselves. All members, including the founder/artist hold egalitarian positions.
thecpc.tumblr.com
cargocollective.com/thecpc
The Poppy Project is a multi-faceted project founded in 2010 that ultimately aims to re-contextualize the California Poppy, and subsequently, any protected species as a symbol and tool for land reclamation and ecological non-violent action. The bright orange of the California Poppy acts as a warning to developers, that the community has chosen to take over this piece of land.
Currently the Poppy Project is manifested through Bomb/Balm workshops, skill shares, The California Poppy Militia, Revolution in Oz (The Official Zine of The CPC), The Californa Poppy Collective Honey Sage Sumac Beer, as well as drawings, videos, photographs and objects that both document and are inspired by the project.
The California Poppy Militia:
The California Poppy Militia is a counter-military, ecological action group. Consisting of three equal units, the CPM contains no hierarchies, and seeks to make an organized effort towards the mass planting of California Poppies. The Foot Soldiers and Cavalry consist of those who choose to participate in the physical planting of the seeds, either by foot, bicycle, or vehicle. The Engineers are made up of individuals who wish to contribute to research and techniques. The Engineers seek more innovative ways for plantings to be successful. The Propagandists work to graphically proliferate the project through posters, internet presence, and branding. Those who wish to participate in the CPM may choose to make their own uniforms, zines, and chapters of the militia. All members self-regulate their individual level of participation and answer to themselves. All members, including the founder/artist hold egalitarian positions.
thecpc.tumblr.com
cargocollective.com/thecpc
The Poppy Militia joined Camp CARPA in October, 2013, for an amazing Joshua Tree adventure! Here is our "Poppy Palace" where we gave bomb/balm demonstrations, talked to folks about eco squatting and squatting codes, and pissed off KChung with our loud ruckus. Also some images of the wonderful folks we met! Stay tuned for links to their work!
