Nine years ago, I began a meditation practice that fundamentally transformed not only my life but also the essence of how I create. What started as a response to burnout evolved into a daily ritual that now informs every piece I sculpt. In this article, I share how meditation became the foundation of my design process and led to the creation of the SEED Meditation Seat, a piece born from thousands of hours of sitting in silence.
The Beginning of Practice
I started meditating about nine years ago after experiencing major burnout from my work. Initially, I used a meditation app, then attended my first silent retreat, followed by others including vision quests in the jungle. My current favorite is an annual weeklong darkness meditation retreat. Otherwise, I aim to meditate daily and take advantage of any downtime, such as on planes while traveling.
Meditation is deeply inspiring for me. Sitting in silence and clearing my mind opens a door to another realm, bringing incredible waves of ideas and energy that fill me with excitement to return to the sculpting table and bring them to life. The practice has become inseparable from my creative process, each informing and deepening the other.
A Need Arises
When I began meditating regularly, I used a buckwheat-filled cushion, but over time the filling would shift or flatten, failing to provide consistent support. This inspired me to design something both sculptural and functional, a piece that doubles as an art object when not in use. I wanted to create a meditation seat that would hold its form permanently while offering the comfort needed for extended practice.
Bringing the SEED Meditation Seat to Life
I typically sculpt my pieces in clay, but for the meditation seat, I needed a large, solid prototype that could support my weight for testing. So I used a two-part sculpting material that hardens after mixing. Once the prototype was complete, I followed the same process as my regular collection: it was molded, cast in resin, and then hand sanded for the final matte finish.
The organic, sculpted form of the SEED Meditation Seat holds its shape permanently. It also features subtle indentations that cradle the sit bones, making it far more comfortable for extended sitting. Without the distraction of constantly adjusting a cushion, it becomes easier to settle in and go deeper into meditation each time I sit. Beyond that, the seat was created with love and intention, and I hope that supportive, loving energy comes through for anyone who uses it.
Why Resin?
Food-safe resin is easy to clean, maintains its shape indefinitely, and doesn't degrade when exposed to the elements, unlike fabric, which can wear out, or wood, which may warp or crack over time, especially outdoors. This durability means the SEED Meditation Seat can support your practice for years to come, whether placed indoors in a dedicated meditation space or outdoors in a garden setting. If you're curious about how to care for our resin pieces, visit our material and care page.
A Meditation Seat for the Home
Beyond its function as a meditation seat, the SEED was designed to live comfortably in the home. Its sculptural form allows it to remain part of the room rather than something that needs to be tucked away after practice. Many meditation cushions are purely utilitarian. I wanted this piece to feel different, something that supports stillness while also contributing quietly to the space around it. It also sits naturally alongside the other sculptural furnishings we design for the home.
Meditation in Every Piece
The stillness and awareness from meditation appear in every piece in the collection. It's hard to find anything in my work that doesn't originate from a positive, loving energetic place. I hope this softness and warmth come through in the hand-sculpted feel that runs across the entire line. Each bowl, vase, and sculptural object carries the intention cultivated through hours of sitting in silence. This same sense of mindfulness and intention runs through the entire collection.
Creating Your Practice Space
For those beginning a meditation practice, creating a quiet and comfortable place at home can make it easier to return to the practice each day. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, even a small corner free from distractions can become a meaningful space for stillness. Over time, that space begins to carry a sense of familiarity and calm. Having objects there that feel intentional and grounding can deepen the experience, serving as quiet reminders to pause and return to the practice. The SEED Meditation Seat sits at the intersection of form and function, beauty and utility, art and practice. It reflects the commitment to sitting, to stillness, and to the quiet space where creativity often begins.
Explore the SEED Meditation Seat
If you’d like to learn more about the SEED Meditation Seat, you can find additional details on the product page. I hope it can support your practice or perhaps even inspire the beginning of one.
- Tina
- Tina
