Carol Alleman - Trillium

2012 International Miniature Exhibit; FIRST PLACE, Nags Head, NC. Original Poetry and Certificate of Authenticity included with Bronze.

The seed of the Trillium vessel was received when a most valued and loyal collector suggested I consider this special plant for sculpting - a suggestion for which I am deeply grateful.

Once my research began, I quickly realized I did indeed know this plant from my younger years, never giving attention to its name(s). It is perhaps most widely known as the wake-robin appearing with the early days of spring. I chose the rich, red blossoms of the Trillium erectum for the vessel. Trillium's name, once examining the plant, is easily understood.

Most often low growing (average height of 6 inches) it boasts three petals, three slender sepals falling immediately beneath the petals, and grows on a stem with three broad, lower leaves whirling from a center point. Six stamens surround the three-part ovary. The number three is frequently used in my work representing the ultimate creative number, the triad. It was indeed effortless to connect deeply with the beautiful Perfection and wisdom of this woodland trinity.

The trillium needs to be deeply rooted to thrive. What truly roots us, and grounds us, on this earthly plane? Are we too deeply rooted and in what or whom are we rooted? How might we nourish ourselves to remain deeply rooted enough to thrive and note merely survive? Growing quietly in the rich forest floor, clusters of burgeoning trillium naturally give profound witness and confirmation to Divine Perfection as they sprout toward the heavens. Are we sprouting toward the heavens with them? Ants enable the trillium to sow its seeds, eating away the oil rich appendage and abandoning the seeds to sprout.

Ants - tenacious, patient, community-builders - help the trillium flourish. As I needled my way on the bottom of the vessel, etching three ants, I quietly reflected: Are we patient, tenacious, community-builders? Do we feed ourselves while also supporting the real nourishment of others? Are our social choices supporting our ultimate nourishment and our interdependence?

Perhaps we might embrace and follow the wisdom of nature. Many trilliums are either protected or endangered. The quiet work of the ants, sowing the seeds supports their extended life. Do we appreciate the ants in our lives - the vast synchronicities (experiences, people and gifts) often working through invisible channels for our highest good? As Above, So Below has long been a precious daily reminder for me. Everything is Perfection. The trillium is a beautiful display of this Truth.

The Trillium nature vessel presents nine (3x3) blooms on the six (3+3) inch form. Three ants crawl on the bottom of the vessel - the incessant invisible nourishment for its continued growth. I chose the edition size of 111, reflection again the perfection of three. In the obvious triad of the quiet woodland icon, the sacred three echoes. It is a spring miracle in perfect harmony.