First Inspiration

Seed Pods

Whilst visiting Lanhydrock House in Cornwall I found this beautiful fallen seed pod on a path. I was captured by its interesting form, its undulating texture, unusual colour, and its tactile quality. At the moment I do not know what tree this seed has come from but I suspect it is from a form of magnolia. I am purely responding to the seed pod’s actual presence. There is so many inspirational aspects to this seed pod and reflecting on all of its qualities made me wonder if I would like to look at seed pods as an area of research for my work.

Seed pods are containers of promise. Of what will be. The pods represent nurturing of new life and are vessels of protection. They are also mechanically functional and have simple opening mechanisms in them. Obviously they are womb like. Most seed pods have some form of fibrous lines as part of their structure either for strength and structure or as part of the mechanical device for opening the pods and spreading seeds.

Valves, hinges, part of pods

Lines lend themselves to weaving. Lines show structure of the seed pods form, a strengthening fibre that shapes the seed pods and best aids seed distribution. The fibrous lines are the strength the fibres between the lines are like a cover, a tent canvas going over a frame.

Here are some other seed pods with lines creating shape. Cages hiding the new life within.