Svalbard - A Bank for Possibility

Mixed media: welded metal, glass, vintage lace, Czech glass beads, found wood, found metal, lights, seeds.

8” x 18” x 23”

I made this piece after I first heard of the Global Seed Vault while walking with a friend who works in native plant conservation. I was thinking about how, at this time in our human history, we need to send a message of possibility to the future. It is an important gesture; both desperate and hopeful, like entrusting a small boat to the sea. Of the lace on the boat’s banner my friend wrote: Nana Grace’s lace -  I inherited a large box that no one else wanted full of bits and pieces of trimmings and lace after she died. Since I am 90 it’s got to be turn of the 20th century or earlier. She was frugal and when a dress wore out she cut off all the usable bits and put them away for further use.

The sculpture honors all those who stitch things together, and all those who save what is important. It was made for those who value small things and big faith. A seed is itself, but also holds the genesis of generations.