This summer I grew six varieties of beans in my garden. They are my favorite vegetable to grow not only for their health benefits but also because of what they mean to me on a symbolic level. To me the bean seed represents the archetypal seed. They are almost the same shape as a baby in the womb. Beans are amazing to watch as they sprout because the process happens so quickly and dramatically. I love their diversity of colour and some of them look as though they have been individually painted by hand.
The process of shucking beans is pure joy. As you peel back the dry brittle pods the seeds appear like radiant treasures nestled in their own little chambers. The contrast of their colour, luster and solid little shapes against the dull pods thrill me every time. I love the feel of them in my hand.
Beans have naturally appeared my art over the years. When I was a painter I did a whole series of bean paintings in acrylic on canvas. They held a musical quality for me with a kind of rhythm in their forms.
When I moved more into textile design the image of the bean seed became more stylized. These cloth napkins have been dyed and screen printed by hand and then machine appliqued. I call this image 'Multiply'.
An image which I call 'Earth Bean' was with me first as a painting and later as a screen print on fabric. I have used it on tshirts and tote bags as a statement about the importance of seed saving and organic gardening.
'Earth Bean' celebrates the importance of the small to the wholeness of the large. Biodiversity is in crises and is especially vulnerable to the threat of GMO's (genetically modified organisms). By saving our seeds we can help to preserve the diversity of our lovely planet.
For more photos and information about beans I grew in my garden this summer check out my blog post titled "Enchanted Beans"
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written by Cathy, October 20, 2010
written by inkyspider, October 20, 2010
