In the Beginning

When we think of the beginning, it is natural to think of seeds, the source from which all life as we know it springs forth.

I began this project initially in my Ceramic Sculpture class while enrolled in an MFA program at SUNY New Paltz. For the assignment, I was prompted to create a series of clay forms to be used as building blocks for a greater sculptural project.

I began forming these root-vegetable inspired pods that I found pleasing to hold and that also have a striking resemblance to fertility goddesses such as the Venus of Willendorf. I liked the connection this triggered, and had fun arranging my pods in piles as I thought further of what the greater sculpture I might make would be. It occurred to me that what I like most about them is their quiet organic nature and simplicity. I had no interest in firing and glazing them with some shiny toxic glaze, which would turn them into something completely removed from what I enjoyed about them most in the first place.

In meetings with my professor, I came to the conclusion that it wasn't necessary to fire them at all;  the forms I had created could actually contribute to the living cycle instead of becoming another sculpture on a pedestel that needs to be dusted. Further research about seed bombs, which are typically made with small amounts of clay, seed and soil, led me further to the creation of the 3sistersseedbombproject. 

Once I knew that my forms would be vessels of safe storage and transport, I realized that what type of seed I put into them would be an important decision. I like the concept of companion planting, and I wanted my seed selection to produce more than just one vegetable or flower when planted, so it could give back in a 'greater' way, by feeding and nourishing many people, as my assignment prompted.

The three sisters originated as a Native American method of companion planting. The idea is that the corn grows a tall straight stalk and has shallow roots that require nitrogen rich soil to grow a large crop. Beans pull nitrogen from their roots and require a tall stalk to grow upon in order to reach a high yield. Squash is a low ground cover with wide leaves that help shade the corns shallow roots, cut back on weeds and help to maintain a moist growing environment. When grown together, these three vegetables are mutually enhancing and protective, so it is thought that when eaten together, the same protective qualities will apply.

                                          Photo and garden by Shri Nageshvari

These root vegetable inspired clay pod forms have been thrown on a potter’s wheel into open-ended vessels. Once they have firmed up and most of the surface moisture has evaporated, using a small funnel, I fill each pod with a small amount of potting soil and at least three (or more) corn, bean and squash seeds. Here are some of the organic seeds I used:

Once filled, I pinch the form closed and shape the pod into something that closely resembles an organic root vegetable. These pods are allowed to fully dry out until they are received by those who wish to store them through the winter months.

When all danger of frost has passed in the spring months,  I aim for these pods to be given back to the Earth, provided with water and sunshine. In due time, the clay pods will break down and the dormant seeds will sprout forth from their shells. Ideally, (as intended) the 3 sister plants will mutually benefit and enhance each other and flourish, providing a high yielding and nutrient rich miniature garden from one source.

During this process, I encourage photo and written documentation of the pods throughout dormancy, germination, stages of growth and harvest. As a part of larger and natural growth cycle, it is possible that some seeds will not germinate. If this is the case, the pods will still go back to the Earth, the seeds will compost and no harm is done. The cycle merely shifts course, yet still completes itself.

Sharing our stories, images, poetry, recipes and thoughts with each other is a pleasing way of tracking this cycle and social experiment, no matter the outcome. My intention of this blog is to provide a safe storage of information from which we can share and draw, even after the cycle is complete.

Thanks for your interest and support! I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming posts.