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Seeds - a cross pollination in metal


Natasa Milenovic & Regine Schwarzer 


 

Two German gold and metalsmith migrants reunite after 25 years, intertwining their acclaimed techniques and approaches through mutual inspiration.

SEEDS -  symbolises hope, diversity, and new beginnings in their adopted homeland, exploring the parallels between immigration and the journey of seeds. 

Just as migrants bring new life and diversity to a country, seeds represent the potential for growth, resilience, and adaptation. Seeds are time capsules of life, having the capacity to harbour potential until the right conditions arise and resonate with the feelings and emotions we experienced starting a new life in Australia. This project delves into the symbolic meanings associated with seeds and migration, examining their ability to transform, as well as representing an expression of hope for the future. It utilises their abilities of patience, perseverance, and intuition to thrive in new environments.

 

PHOTO-2024-09-05-16-06-06

Native Twig Spoons - Regine Schwarzer Seed Vases - Natasa Milenovic


Seeds are time capsules of life, harbouring  potential in their dormant from. They can traverse oceans, rivers and air, lying in wait for the right time to germinate.[1]

Just as seeds can remain hidden for years, ideas can rest in the subconscious, ready to flourish under the right conditions.

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As an avid bushwalker, I observe the environment, trees, shrubs and their seedpods, fallen plant matter, finding treasures in natures design.

I am captivated by the intricate patterns and structures in seedpods, which inspire me to explore and reinterpret their forms. By combining various seeds and their pods, I create new structures and functional objects that reflect the significance of seeds and their capacity to transform and thrive.

Hybrids emerge from cross pollination of seeds, comparable to hybridization[2] of cultures. 

My work consists of small sculptures - spoons and containers - crafted from brass and silver, celebrating both the inherent beauty and the transformative power of seeds.

Through this collection, I aim to emphasise the ability of transformation and the potential that lies within even the smallest seed, weather in plants and humans. My work highlights the enduring and transformative power of nature, plants and humans and their possibilities that arise from migration.

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[1] Seeds: Time Capsules of Life, Wolfgang Stuppy, Rob Kesseler 

[2] N. García-Canclini, in International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2001 Hybridity in the social sciences refers to the process in which separate social practices or structures combine to create new structures, objects, and practices by mixing their preceding elements. 

Symbology of spoons


Spoons carry profound significance across different cultures and beliefs.
 

The tradition of gifting spoons dates back to ancient times when they symbolized nourishment, care, and sharing. Historically, spoons were more than practical items—they conveyed wishes for the recipient's well-being and prosperity.

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In the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in England, giving silver spoons became popular for marking significant life events like births, christenings, or weddings. The use of silver added meaning, symbolizing purity, wealth, and lasting value.

Today, spoons still represent warmth and care. They are often given as keepsakes or tokens of affection, symbolizing a wish for the recipient to always find nourishment and comfort. Thus, the spoon remains a potent symbol of connection, generosity, and enduring love.

Spoons are everyday utensils imbued with rich symbolic value, serving as a reminder of nourishment, care, and enduring connection from ancient traditions to modern keepsakes.

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Gumnut Lid Spoon
$ 195.00
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Eucalyptus Erythrocorys Spoon
$ 380.00
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Eucalyptus Erythrocorys Spoon
$ 360.00
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Eucalypt Seed Spoon
$ 390.00
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Hybrid Gumnut Spoon
$ 380.00
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Hybrid Gumnut Spoon
$ 360.00
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Callistemon Hybrid Spoon
$ 380.00
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Snail Medic - Callistemon Hybrid Spoon
$ 400.00
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Snail Medic Peridot Spoon
$ 450.00
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Snail Medic Spoon
$ 360.00
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ELPIS
$ 400.00
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Melaleuca Spoon
$ 270.00
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Melaleuca Spoon
$ 240.00
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Prickly Tea Tree Spoon
$ 400.00
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Melaleuca Seed Pod Spoon
$ 380.00
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Leucadendron Cone Spoon
$ 400.00
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Calistemon Spoon
$ 380.00
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Callistemon Spoon
$ 330.00
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Eucalyptus Sessilis Pod Spoon
$ 380.00
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Melaleuca Pod Spoon
$ 390.00
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Melaleuca Pod Spoon
$ 360.00
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Somniferum Capsule Spoon
$ 300.00
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Drift Seed Spoon
$ 320.00