Seeds
I’m hardly the first potter to notice and explore seeds and their pods- how they lend themselves so well to vessel shapes. I’m just the next in a long line of artists who have put these incredible forms and patterns into their hands and allowed the inspiration to take over. That is just what has happened and I’m still going. I started planning this series months ago as I studied in more detail the incredible variety that is found in the natural world of seeds. It really is astounding when you consider the span of the various shapes, textures, colors, dispersal mechanisms etc. that exist. As with many beautiful things, it is the visual that draws me in and the conceptual that keeps me coming back for more.
As I’ve been working within this world of seeds and their pods I’ve had many hours to contemplate and just stand in awe of not only their captivating design but their function in our world. I’ve been thinking a lot about Genesis. Seeds are mentioned often. Seed bearing humans created to enjoy and tend to seed bearing plants that nurture and give back to us. Life, and more life to come. Even through the fall ‘the seed’ God promised Eve would crush the head of the serpent is protected and survives and the rest of the Old Testament is the chronicle of that seed that will continue and ultimately lead to Jesus who is the giver of abundant and eternal life.
When you enter the world of seeds you’re confronted with concepts as monumental as time- perfect timing as with germination, strength and fragility in perfect balance, the dizzying scale of a tree vs. the minute size of a seed. They are containers of life- designed to be unbreakable in one condition and to fall apart when the conditions and timing are right. They are the ultimate symbol for potential and hope. Life out of death- resurrection. So many lessons to learn.
All of these incredible concepts were not lost on Jesus. He often spoke of seeds and fruit and taught us to pay attention to their incipient lessons. If all I have accomplished in focusing my time, efforts and love on these forms is that some may pause long enough to consider these lessons, it is enough. I recently heard an artist describe his hope that his work would offer a space where people can kneel. I have that same hope. That when someone stands in front of my work it would create a space for them to kneel- to worship and adore the Maker of everyone and every last little thing. Like seeds.
