2021
Bronze and Black Walnut 5” x 2” x 8”

I designed this trowel to be a family heirloom used in coming-of-age ceremonies where the knowledge of planting and growing things is passed down from one generation of a family to the next. Through this piece I explore how heirlooms and traditions touch our lives, as well as the broader theme of sustainability, which is depicted visually and is implicit in how I chose to create the trowel. By creating one quality item that will last for multiple lifetimes, I reduce the ecological cost when compared to a poorly-made object that needs to be replaced often. I used CNC milling to carve the black walnut wood handle and stand, as well as to create the wax model which was lost wax cast to form the bronze trowel scoop. On the bowl of the scoop I used pictograms to depict three generations. A child is planting a sapling while their parent and grandparent (with cane) stand nearby. The recessed background image symbolizes the trees planted by past generations who took part in the ceremony as well as the hope of the new tree being planted by the child. The pictograms ensure that the trowel’s purpose will be understood intuitively far into the future. The black walnut handle is designed for a balance of ergonomics for both the hands of a child and an adult.