Seed of Knowledge
Glass, steel, live tree; 15′ Dia x 25’H
University of Minnesota, Plant Growth Facilities
Seed of Knowledge is a seed-shaped sculpture situated at the University of Minnesota’s Plant Growth Facilities in Saint Paul. Constructed from glass and steel, the 25-foot-tall installation captures a frozen moment in the life of a seed: its protective shell splitting, ready to release what lies within. From this core, a full-sized living tree emerges, symbolizing the potential of knowledge and growth. Radiating from the sculpture, geometric patterns etched into concrete walkways and landscaped areas echo the natural growth patterns of plants.
The piece serves both as a visual landmark and as a metaphor for learning. Just as a seed contains the blueprint of a full-grown plant, knowledge exists in latent form until placed in a supportive environment. Through its translucent and reflective glass surfaces, the sculpture shifts with light and perspective—sometimes revealing the tree within, sometimes concealing it—mirroring the hidden, unfolding nature of knowledge itself.
Referencing greenhouses and the cultivation of life, Seed of Knowledge situates human learning within the cycles of nature, reminding viewers that growth—whether botanical or intellectual—requires care, nourishment, and space to flourish. In this way, the sculpture celebrates the University setting as a place where potential is nurtured, talents emerge, and knowledge comes to life.