DRAWING WITH SEEDS

2,350….that’s approximately how many seeds made their way into my most recent three dimensional drawing, Dawning. 

But it started from just one…a single golden bit retrieved from the depths of our teething daughter’s mouth.

I love to encourage her sense of adventure, but as a budding naturalist she may have eaten more of her discoveries then I’d like to admit. Luckily this time, with mom game strong, I swooped in to make the interception.

I was struck by the seed’s beautiful iridescent shimmer (and not just from the drool). Before I could examine it much further, baby girl’s hands were clutched full of more. A quick scan of the grass and I realized there’d be plenty for the both of us. (Well actually, just for me because she wouldn’t stop trying to eat them.) Within minutes my hands were full of slender branches covered with papery seeds and their delicate bark shells. Just like that, a new art piece had begun.

Before the seeds could meet the paper they had to be sorted, first by color and then by size. I’ll admit this can be the most laborious part of my work, cutting, cleaning, and organizing. It’s with sore figures that I often wonder things like, “How’d I get myself into this crazy project?” or “How successful do I have to be before I can hire an intern?” At the same time it’s in these moments of repetitive acts that I find my solace. It’s the one place in my life where can I meticulously organize.

The seeds found their way into various categories, most notably gold and grey. Beginning from a single golden seed, the layers built upon each other. And so it continued late into the night and in flurries of nap time productivity. (Thanks baby for taking some good long naps!) Finally the two sides met by seeds standing on end with delicate balance and liberal amount of glue. I’m pleased with the final outcome of the piece. I especially enjoy how it dances in the light and seems to flutter as you changes perspectives. Get a glimpse into making of this drawing here…