StorySeed
Lakeside County Library
A collaboration with Bhavna Mehta
Commissioned by the County of San Diego

StorySeed is a 10 foot x 10 foot, 300 lb multi-colored/multi-layered aluminum sculpture on the façade of the new Lakeside County Library. Artwork elements continue around the corner of the entry façade to the adjacent exterior wall with smaller sculptural elements, some of which move in the wind. The artwork is intended to be experienced both close-up and from a great distance both visually and tactilely.

StorySeed is made up components which contain shapes that echo nature including a large multi-colored and multi-layered seed-like shape with plant and flower forms and water imagery that opens to reveal smaller individual colorful shapes that burst out and float up the wall towards the corner of the building. Just as a library is an open and accessible place for all, equipped to facilitate and communicate learning and culture, the opening and bursting of StorySeed expresses the idea that art and nature are ever-expanding avenues of discovery and knowledge.

A seed contains the information needed for sprouting and growing and the abundance of the natural world is inherent in StorySeed. The design borrows its core idea from a library which is a repository for learning, information, community, and surprise. StorySeed contains the elements necessary for play, movement, and wisdom.

All the shapes are informed by the natural landscape of Lakeside: lakes and water sources, oak leaves, acorns, Palo Verde seed-pods, California poppies, insects, birds, sunshine, and wind.​