Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change is a series of sculptures in the form of giant seeds, to be slowly transformed by members of the public making a wish and hammering in a coin. Some sculptures will be temporary, whilst others, will be permanent, creating a slowly changing landmark in the landscape, a destination and focus for public discussion.

The first sculpture titled New Beginnings has just been installed in the grounds of Ashton Court in Bristol. Similar to throwing a coin into a well or fountain, the idea of hammering a coin into a tree to make a wish is a phenomenon which has existed since the 1700’s. As a method to create good luck or good fortune, some people used to also believe that if a sick person pressed a coin into a tree, their illness would go away. Investigating notions of hope, aspiration, superstition, and belief, Luke hopes the coin studded sculpture will gradually become an intricate and complex work of public art.

Luke said “I love idea of a seed: as a capsule of information and an object of potential that contains everything inside, a plant needs to grow. I hope the public enjoy interacting with this new sculpture and it acts as a capsule for their hopes, dreams and imagination!”

Visitors to the sculpture are invited to hammer a coin into the giant seed and make a wish for the future. The hammer is attached on a chain to the artwork, together with a pair of pliers to hold the coin and to help save people’s fingers! Children must be supervised!

UPDATE >> In just 4 weeks over 1000 coins have been hammered in by the public!

With thanks to:
Completed in March 2022 and made in collaboration with craftsman Alistair Park the sculpture was made with support from Artspace Ashton Court, We are from Dust and Artspace Lifespace.

Further information
Inspired by wishing trees, found across the UK, Luke Jerram is designing a series of wooden sculptures to be sited in various locations for people to embed their hopes and dreams. Some artworks will be temporary, whilst others, will be permanent, creating a slowly changing landmark in the landscape, a destination and focus for public discussion. Created in partnership with carpenters, craftsman and local communities, each artwork will be made from locally sourced materials. Site specific, the form(s) of each artwork will vary, in response to its location. Here is a nice news story about wishing trees in the Daily Mail.

Press Coverage
Bristol247
Bristol Post