Photo © Todd Bradley
Fine Art - NOMINEE: Todd Bradley
The Protectors of Magical Seeds
Support this photographer - share this work on Facebook.
“The Protectors Of Magical Seeds,” is an artistic study of seed pods cleanly photographed to show fine detail and shapes in nature while also demonstrating their armor-like qualities that protect the precious, magical seeds inside. I began this project in the summer of 2015 on the single subject of Madagascar Jasmine seedpods. Right after beginning this project I became very ill with a bacterial infection that brought me within hours of dying before they found the proper treatment. I’m fine now! During the 4-month recovery time I was too ill to work or photograph but it gave me time to think about this project and how I could narrow my concept down but expand the subject. Being ill made me think of my own death and how unready I was to receive that fate. It made my think of how our bodies are scripted genetically through DNA, containing the same macromolecule structures of the seed or any other living thing on Earth! It made me think of how magical that is, and those seeds are magical and the seedpods their protectors. I have been expanding the project by working with the horticulturist at the San Diego Zoo to help in finding many different types of interesting seedpods from around the world. Below the proposal is my artist statement that accompanies the work.
I am seeking the Photogrvphy Grant to help further this Seedpod project allowing me to print a manageable sized loose 17 image portfolio of 16in x 16in on museum rag paper to present to galley owners and curators at upcoming portfolio reviews.
This project is already starting to receive international attention with three different images juried into group shows at The Fine Art Photography Centers in Naples Florida, Ft. Collins, Colorado and Los Angeles, California and the series won an 2 honorable mentions in nature and fine art categories at the FAPA awards, London.
Use of Funds requested from the $1,000.00 grant:
17 images of 16 x 16 presentation portfolio: 17 @ 50.4 = $856.80 plus shipping and tax.
The Protectors of Magical Seeds
“It always amazes me to look at the little, wrinkled brown seeds and think of the rainbows in ’em,” said Captain Jim. “When I ponder on them seeds I don’t find it nowise hard to believe that we’ve got souls that’ll live in other worlds. You couldn’t hardly believe there was life in them tiny things, some no bigger than grains of dust, let alone colour and scent, if you hadn’t seen the miracle, could you?”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables series
The pods are the great protectors of the magic they possess inside ... the seed. Seeds that hold the DNA blueprint for the entire life of the plant. Its whole life! That is magical. Before the seeds release from the withered shell, the pod holds them tight, protecting them from the elements while they develop. Then, when all the precise conditions come together, the ideal amount of warmth, water, light, and nutrient-rich soil, the tiny seeds will release, germinate, and grow. The pod decomposes, feeding the seed, and the circle of life continues.
Using Stephen Shore’s concept of still time where “the content is at rest and time is still,” I am preserving that particular moment of the decay process, where the pods have just released these magic seeds. This is when the pods reveal their true strength, akin to medieval forms showing their true fearlessness. In front of my lens, they become whimsical guardians, the protectors of magical seeds.
Thank you for your consideration,
Todd Bradley
About author:
Todd Bradley
Todd Bradley (1970, Detroit, USA) Has lived in San Diego for over 30 years; 20 of those with Walter, Todd’s husband and their two Rat Terriers, Gus and Hank. Self-taught with occasional classes and workshops; he draws inspiration from photographers Lori Nix and David Levinthal. Todd’s attention to detail with his dioramas is superb.
Todd was named 2018 “New Talent of the Year” by the London Creative Awards and has exhibited in numerous group shows in museum and galleries worldwide. His work has been published internationally. Todd is also a founding member of Snowcreek Collaborative.
www.ToddBradleyPhotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/mrtoddbradley/
I am seeking the Photogrvphy Grant to help further this Seedpod project allowing me to print a manageable sized loose 17 image portfolio of 16in x 16in on museum rag paper to present to galley owners and curators at upcoming portfolio reviews.
This project is already starting to receive international attention with three different images juried into group shows at The Fine Art Photography Centers in Naples Florida, Ft. Collins, Colorado and Los Angeles, California and the series won an 2 honorable mentions in nature and fine art categories at the FAPA awards, London.
Use of Funds requested from the $1,000.00 grant:
17 images of 16 x 16 presentation portfolio: 17 @ 50.4 = $856.80 plus shipping and tax.
The Protectors of Magical Seeds
“It always amazes me to look at the little, wrinkled brown seeds and think of the rainbows in ’em,” said Captain Jim. “When I ponder on them seeds I don’t find it nowise hard to believe that we’ve got souls that’ll live in other worlds. You couldn’t hardly believe there was life in them tiny things, some no bigger than grains of dust, let alone colour and scent, if you hadn’t seen the miracle, could you?”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables series
The pods are the great protectors of the magic they possess inside ... the seed. Seeds that hold the DNA blueprint for the entire life of the plant. Its whole life! That is magical. Before the seeds release from the withered shell, the pod holds them tight, protecting them from the elements while they develop. Then, when all the precise conditions come together, the ideal amount of warmth, water, light, and nutrient-rich soil, the tiny seeds will release, germinate, and grow. The pod decomposes, feeding the seed, and the circle of life continues.
Using Stephen Shore’s concept of still time where “the content is at rest and time is still,” I am preserving that particular moment of the decay process, where the pods have just released these magic seeds. This is when the pods reveal their true strength, akin to medieval forms showing their true fearlessness. In front of my lens, they become whimsical guardians, the protectors of magical seeds.
Thank you for your consideration,
Todd Bradley
About author:
Todd Bradley
Todd Bradley (1970, Detroit, USA) Has lived in San Diego for over 30 years; 20 of those with Walter, Todd’s husband and their two Rat Terriers, Gus and Hank. Self-taught with occasional classes and workshops; he draws inspiration from photographers Lori Nix and David Levinthal. Todd’s attention to detail with his dioramas is superb.
Todd was named 2018 “New Talent of the Year” by the London Creative Awards and has exhibited in numerous group shows in museum and galleries worldwide. His work has been published internationally. Todd is also a founding member of Snowcreek Collaborative.
www.ToddBradleyPhotography.com
https://www.instagram.com/mrtoddbradley/