Awakening I
Britannia silver, 18ct gold, African blackwood
H 160mm x W 455mm x D 125mm
2010

The inspiration for this piece is the idea that all plant life begins with a seed and that within that seed lies such a wide range of possibilities. The piece is designed to open out so that the owner is able to hide within it items that are precious to them.

The engraved pattern on the surface of the object encompasses the energy that the seed has absorbed from the sun and the richness of the earth’s minerals and water. The sun and the moon buttons symbolise the passage of time throughout the seasons. Collectively, all these elements provide the seed with the energy to push out its first shoot.

The detail that can be seen running down the side that looks very much like a mouse’s tail, illustrate the germination process. I have inlaid a gold seed and the growth of a silver radical into the surface of the African blackwood base.