July 4, 2024 • 11 mins
**Recorded in my car as we are renovating our kitchen and it is LOUD.**
From ancient mosaics to modern sculptures by Blott Kerr-Wilson, seashells have inspired artists for centuries. Candy delves into their cultural significance in Hawaiian jewelry, symbolic roles in literature, and importance in marine ecosystems. Listen now to uncover the beauty, inspiration, and magic in these natural wonders and see how they connect art, culture, and nature in extraordinary ways.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Welcome to the None But Curious podcast. We're all about finding inspiration in life's uncertainties.
Whether you're still figuring things out, questioning your beliefs, or just curious
about the world, come hang out with us as we celebrate the beauty of not having all the answers.
(00:21):
We're diving into the worlds of art, music, literature, and nature every month.
We'll uncover the remarkable in the everyday, showing you the beauty and inspiration that's
all around us. Come along as we explore and find the sacredness in ordinary moments,
enriching our lives with a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
This month, the focus is a seashell. Seashells have long been a source of inspiration for artists.
(00:44):
Their unique shapes, textures, and colors provide a diverse palette for artistic expression.
One of the most notable uses of seashells in art is the form of shell mosaics and sculptures.
The use of seashells in creating mosaics dates back to ancient civilizations.
In modern times, artists continue this tradition with innovative approaches.
For instance, Blott Kerr-Wilson, a contemporary British artist, is renowned for her large-scale
(01:07):
shell installations. Her works utilize thousands of shells meticulously arranged to create immersive
environments that celebrate the natural beauty of seashells. Blott Kerr-Wilson was invited to
lead a community project featuring Dornoch Firth wild mussel scalps. The event, supported by the Tain
Mussel Company and local businesses, fed approximately 1,100 people with free mussels
(01:28):
and garlic bread—yum!—accompanied by live music, while all mussel shells were
saved for Kerr Wilson's artistic endeavors focusing on how nature recycles. Another
favorite of mine is her work called The Glebe, where there's a tree, owl, and peacock featured
among other creatures. You wouldn't know from the outside of the building that intricate shellwork is
inside. Rococo, an 18th-century art movement known for its ornate, playful, and whimsical style,
(01:55):
saw artists integrating elaborate shell motifs and idyllic themes into paintings,
sculptures, and interior designs. Starting in 1730, the central focus shifted to the
rocaille, or shellwork, characterized by asymmetrical swirls in C- or S-shaped forms.
This period marked a departure from the grandeur of Baroque art, emphasizing delicate craftsmanship,
(02:17):
intricate detail, and a light-hearted atmosphere. Rococo artworks often depicted pastoral scenes,
serene landscapes, and mythological subjects catering to the aristocracy's desire for fantasy
and escapism. The movement's fondness for decorative elements extended to furniture and
architecture, utilizing curved lines, asymmetry, and pastel colors to evoke elegance and grace,
(02:40):
leaving a significant influence on art, design, and cultural trends across Europe.
Beyond high art, seashells have been used extensively in jewelry and craft.
Cultures around the world have crafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from seashells for
millennia. In the Pacific, shell jewelry is not only a form of adornment but also a marker of
status and wealth. Ni'ihau shells, found exclusively on Ni'ihau Island in Hawaii, are renowned for their
(03:06):
rarity and cultural significance. The island, affectionately known as the Forbidden Island,
has been privately owned by the Smith family since the late 1800s. Access is restricted to
preserve Native Hawaiian culture and language. While shell jewelry making is a traditional art
on Ni'ihau, it also faces challenges as younger generations pursue different lifestyles.
(03:29):
These shells, kahelelani , momi, and leiki, are meticulously collected and crafted into
intricate necklaces, often taking years to complete. Kahelelani shells, once worn exclusively
by royalty, are classified as gemstones by the Smithsonian and can fetch prices exceeding $10,000
per necklace. Momi shells resembling pearls and leiki shells akin to polished rice grains are
(03:54):
also highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. They feature prominently in
traditional Hawaiian jewelry styles like pukake and multi-strand designs. Cowrie shells serve as
clasps while the rare sunrise shell, revered for its sunrise-like hues, holds cultural significance
and is often worn as a pendant or in jewelry combinations. Across the islands, particularly on
(04:17):
Kaua'i, these shells remain integral to Hawaiian heritage, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts
alike. Seashells have not only visual but auditory appeal, particularly through the conch shell, which
has been used as a musical instrument in various cultures around the world. The pu, a conch shell
from the ocean, holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian traditions, used in both religious and
(04:39):
secular contexts to communicate various meanings. Blowing the pu marks the beginning of ceremonies,
symbolizes spiritual journeys, and historically served as a means of communication between canoes
and the shore, while today is also used to express gratitude and farewell at sunset.
Professor Van Dyke from Binghamton University and her team used the Soundshed Analysis model
(05:01):
developed by K. E. Primeau to explore how conch shell trumpet sounds spread across
Chocoan communities. This advanced tool calculates sound travel based on terrain,
elevation, and ambient noise levels. Their research indicates that trumpet sounds likely
reach all nearby settlements from central great houses, highlighting their role in organizing
communal activities and religious ceremonies among ancient Puebloans. Van Dyke likened this
(05:25):
acoustic landscape to the cultural significance of church bells, stressing the importance of
soundscapes in ancient societies and advocating for their integration into heritage management
strategies. The study emphasizes the use of soundsheds to identify protected areas within the
Chocoan landscape. I also came across a sweet folk pop song called Seashell by Melissa Lischer.
(05:45):
Part of the song lyrics say, "far beyond the surface, deep down in the dirt, there's a pearl in the
seashell, and I found it in myself." It's just sweet. Everything we're looking for on the outside,
we usually need to find it on the inside. Moving on to literature, the conch shell serves as a
powerful symbol in literature, often representing reflections on societal structures and human
(06:09):
behavior. In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell symbolizes the establishment of a structured
society governed by democratic principles among the boys on the island. Initially, it's embraced
as a tool for orderly discourse and decision-making, and its symbolic power diminishes as challenges
arise, illustrating the complexities and challenges of maintaining democratic ideals in practice.
(06:30):
In the same year-ish, another book was published by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, and in his novel,
seashell-shaped ear devices symbolize the pervasive and invasive nature of technology
in society. Here, the seashell is repurposed as a symbol of communication and control,
(06:50):
reflecting contemporary concerns about technology's impact on human interaction.
Hello, AI. Or, you know, as my youngest son constantly says, hey, Google. There's the
Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner Wysława Szymborska, who delves into the seashell's duality,
capturing both its natural beauty and humanity's desire to possess and control it
(07:14):
in her poem, Seashell. And it reads,
Both the sea and the shell Both the shell and the sea
Are in the shell When I press it against my ear
I listen to what lies between The sea and the shell
The shell and the sea Only my ear hears it
And it is silent I'm not sure whether it is the sea
(07:37):
That roars in the shell Or the shell in the sea
I've also been reading a lot more picture books as of late, and A House for Hermit Crab by Eric
Carle came home from the library recently. Seashells are central to the story's theme
of growth and change as the hermit crab searches for a new home. Really cute book.
(07:57):
Love the drawings by Eric Carle. Beyond their cultural and artistic significance,
seashells play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. They provide habitats and
variety of organisms and contribute to the health of coastal environments.
The composition of shells provide insights into water quality and pollution levels.
Scientists analyze the accumulation of heavy metals and contaminants in shells to monitor
(08:19):
marine ecosystem health. They serve as crucial tools for scientific research and environmental
conservation. Seashells contribute to the stability of shorelines by forming natural
barriers against erosion. When shells accumulate on beaches, they help to absorb the energy of
incoming waves, reducing the impact on the shore. This natural process aids in the preservation of
(08:41):
coastal habitats, which are crucial for numerous species and human communities alike.
And as far as spiritual and symbolic significance, in Hinduism, the conch shell known as Shankha
holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. Its origin is rooted in the cosmic ocean,
a story told in Hindu scriptures like the Puranas and the Mahabharata.
(09:04):
The Shankha is closely associated with Lord Vishnu, who is often depicted holding it,
symbolizing creation, protection, and destruction, and representing the primordial sound OM.
Different types of Shankhas, such as the Dakshinavarti, or the right-handed, and
Vamavarti, or left-handed, each have unique spiritual meanings and are used in rituals
(09:27):
for their auspicious qualities. Mentioned in the Vedas, the Shankha plays roles in rituals,
purification, healing, and warding off negative energies, and is linked to the goddess Lakshmi,
the deity of wealth and prosperity. The conch remains a sacred object in Hinduism, revered for
its divine association and ceremonial use. Similarly, in the realm of Feng Shui, conch
(09:48):
shells hold significant symbolism. Their spiral shape acts as a conduit for positive energy,
attracting wealth, health, and success. Shells in general represent protection,
while smoother ones offer comfort. Conch shells also foster luck, safety during travel,
and opportunities for long-distance relationships. Although conch shells are the preferred choice for
Feng Shui, cowrie shells, which are similar in shape, are more convenient for carrying while
(10:12):
traveling. Seashells have always captivated artists with their variety of shapes, textures,
and colors, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. From ancient mosaics to
modern sculptures like those by Blott Kerr-Wilson, seashells are transformed into intricate artworks
that celebrate their natural beauty. They appear in rococo paintings and traditional Hawaiian
jewelry, continuing to inspire diverse artistic forms and cultural traditions worldwide,
(10:37):
reflecting their timeless allure and symbolic importance in human creativity.
And as we continue to explore and appreciate seashells, it's important to recognize their
ecological roles and the need to protect marine environments. The beauty and utility of seashells
remind us of the intricate and delicate balance of nature, urging us to preserve it for future
generations to admire and cherish. And with that, if you are interested in learning more
(11:01):
about finding the magic in the mundane, please subscribe and review to the None But Curious
podcast, and also hop on the website, look for blogs and more resources, and subscribe to our
newsletter. Pick one, do them all, it's all appreciated. And until next time, may you continue
to find the magic in the mundane.
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Welcome to the None But Curious podcast. We're all about finding inspiration in life's uncertainties.
Whether you're still figuring things out, questioning your beliefs, or just curious
about the world, come hang out with us as we celebrate the beauty of not having all the answers.
(00:21):
We're diving into the worlds of art, music, literature, and nature every month.
We'll uncover the remarkable in the everyday, showing you the beauty and inspiration that's
all around us. Come along as we explore and find the sacredness in ordinary moments,
enriching our lives with a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
This month, the focus is a seashell. Seashells have long been a source of inspiration for artists.
(00:44):
Their unique shapes, textures, and colors provide a diverse palette for artistic expression.
One of the most notable uses of seashells in art is the form of shell mosaics and sculptures.
The use of seashells in creating mosaics dates back to ancient civilizations.
In modern times, artists continue this tradition with innovative approaches.
For instance, Blott Kerr-Wilson, a contemporary British artist, is renowned for her large-scale
(01:07):
shell installations. Her works utilize thousands of shells meticulously arranged to create immersive
environments that celebrate the natural beauty of seashells. Blott Kerr-Wilson was invited to
lead a community project featuring Dornoch Firth wild mussel scalps. The event, supported by the Tain
Mussel Company and local businesses, fed approximately 1,100 people with free mussels
(01:28):
and garlic bread—yum!—accompanied by live music, while all mussel shells were
saved for Kerr Wilson's artistic endeavors focusing on how nature recycles. Another
favorite of mine is her work called The Glebe, where there's a tree, owl, and peacock featured
among other creatures. You wouldn't know from the outside of the building that intricate shellwork is
inside. Rococo, an 18th-century art movement known for its ornate, playful, and whimsical style,
(01:55):
saw artists integrating elaborate shell motifs and idyllic themes into paintings,
sculptures, and interior designs. Starting in 1730, the central focus shifted to the
rocaille, or shellwork, characterized by asymmetrical swirls in C- or S-shaped forms.
This period marked a departure from the grandeur of Baroque art, emphasizing delicate craftsmanship,
(02:17):
intricate detail, and a light-hearted atmosphere. Rococo artworks often depicted pastoral scenes,
serene landscapes, and mythological subjects catering to the aristocracy's desire for fantasy
and escapism. The movement's fondness for decorative elements extended to furniture and
architecture, utilizing curved lines, asymmetry, and pastel colors to evoke elegance and grace,
(02:40):
leaving a significant influence on art, design, and cultural trends across Europe.
Beyond high art, seashells have been used extensively in jewelry and craft.
Cultures around the world have crafted necklaces, bracelets, and earrings from seashells for
millennia. In the Pacific, shell jewelry is not only a form of adornment but also a marker of
status and wealth. Ni'ihau shells, found exclusively on Ni'ihau Island in Hawaii, are renowned for their
(03:06):
rarity and cultural significance. The island, affectionately known as the Forbidden Island,
has been privately owned by the Smith family since the late 1800s. Access is restricted to
preserve Native Hawaiian culture and language. While shell jewelry making is a traditional art
on Ni'ihau, it also faces challenges as younger generations pursue different lifestyles.
(03:29):
These shells, kahelelani , momi, and leiki, are meticulously collected and crafted into
intricate necklaces, often taking years to complete. Kahelelani shells, once worn exclusively
by royalty, are classified as gemstones by the Smithsonian and can fetch prices exceeding $10,000
per necklace. Momi shells resembling pearls and leiki shells akin to polished rice grains are
(03:54):
also highly prized for their beauty and craftsmanship. They feature prominently in
traditional Hawaiian jewelry styles like pukake and multi-strand designs. Cowrie shells serve as
clasps while the rare sunrise shell, revered for its sunrise-like hues, holds cultural significance
and is often worn as a pendant or in jewelry combinations. Across the islands, particularly on
(04:17):
Kaua'i, these shells remain integral to Hawaiian heritage, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts
alike. Seashells have not only visual but auditory appeal, particularly through the conch shell, which
has been used as a musical instrument in various cultures around the world. The pu, a conch shell
from the ocean, holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian traditions, used in both religious and
(04:39):
secular contexts to communicate various meanings. Blowing the pu marks the beginning of ceremonies,
symbolizes spiritual journeys, and historically served as a means of communication between canoes
and the shore, while today is also used to express gratitude and farewell at sunset.
Professor Van Dyke from Binghamton University and her team used the Soundshed Analysis model
(05:01):
developed by K. E. Primeau to explore how conch shell trumpet sounds spread across
Chocoan communities. This advanced tool calculates sound travel based on terrain,
elevation, and ambient noise levels. Their research indicates that trumpet sounds likely
reach all nearby settlements from central great houses, highlighting their role in organizing
communal activities and religious ceremonies among ancient Puebloans. Van Dyke likened this
(05:25):
acoustic landscape to the cultural significance of church bells, stressing the importance of
soundscapes in ancient societies and advocating for their integration into heritage management
strategies. The study emphasizes the use of soundsheds to identify protected areas within the
Chocoan landscape. I also came across a sweet folk pop song called Seashell by Melissa Lischer.
(05:45):
Part of the song lyrics say, "far beyond the surface, deep down in the dirt, there's a pearl in the
seashell, and I found it in myself." It's just sweet. Everything we're looking for on the outside,
we usually need to find it on the inside. Moving on to literature, the conch shell serves as a
powerful symbol in literature, often representing reflections on societal structures and human
(06:09):
behavior. In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell symbolizes the establishment of a structured
society governed by democratic principles among the boys on the island. Initially, it's embraced
as a tool for orderly discourse and decision-making, and its symbolic power diminishes as challenges
arise, illustrating the complexities and challenges of maintaining democratic ideals in practice.
(06:30):
In the same year-ish, another book was published by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451, and in his novel,
seashell-shaped ear devices symbolize the pervasive and invasive nature of technology
in society. Here, the seashell is repurposed as a symbol of communication and control,
(06:50):
reflecting contemporary concerns about technology's impact on human interaction.
Hello, AI. Or, you know, as my youngest son constantly says, hey, Google. There's the
Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner Wysława Szymborska, who delves into the seashell's duality,
capturing both its natural beauty and humanity's desire to possess and control it
(07:14):
in her poem, Seashell. And it reads,
Both the sea and the shell Both the shell and the sea
Are in the shell When I press it against my ear
I listen to what lies between The sea and the shell
The shell and the sea Only my ear hears it
And it is silent I'm not sure whether it is the sea
(07:37):
That roars in the shell Or the shell in the sea
I've also been reading a lot more picture books as of late, and A House for Hermit Crab by Eric
Carle came home from the library recently. Seashells are central to the story's theme
of growth and change as the hermit crab searches for a new home. Really cute book.
(07:57):
Love the drawings by Eric Carle. Beyond their cultural and artistic significance,
seashells play crucial roles in marine ecosystems. They provide habitats and
variety of organisms and contribute to the health of coastal environments.
The composition of shells provide insights into water quality and pollution levels.
Scientists analyze the accumulation of heavy metals and contaminants in shells to monitor
(08:19):
marine ecosystem health. They serve as crucial tools for scientific research and environmental
conservation. Seashells contribute to the stability of shorelines by forming natural
barriers against erosion. When shells accumulate on beaches, they help to absorb the energy of
incoming waves, reducing the impact on the shore. This natural process aids in the preservation of
(08:41):
coastal habitats, which are crucial for numerous species and human communities alike.
And as far as spiritual and symbolic significance, in Hinduism, the conch shell known as Shankha
holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. Its origin is rooted in the cosmic ocean,
a story told in Hindu scriptures like the Puranas and the Mahabharata.
(09:04):
The Shankha is closely associated with Lord Vishnu, who is often depicted holding it,
symbolizing creation, protection, and destruction, and representing the primordial sound OM.
Different types of Shankhas, such as the Dakshinavarti, or the right-handed, and
Vamavarti, or left-handed, each have unique spiritual meanings and are used in rituals
(09:27):
for their auspicious qualities. Mentioned in the Vedas, the Shankha plays roles in rituals,
purification, healing, and warding off negative energies, and is linked to the goddess Lakshmi,
the deity of wealth and prosperity. The conch remains a sacred object in Hinduism, revered for
its divine association and ceremonial use. Similarly, in the realm of Feng Shui, conch
(09:48):
shells hold significant symbolism. Their spiral shape acts as a conduit for positive energy,
attracting wealth, health, and success. Shells in general represent protection,
while smoother ones offer comfort. Conch shells also foster luck, safety during travel,
and opportunities for long-distance relationships. Although conch shells are the preferred choice for
Feng Shui, cowrie shells, which are similar in shape, are more convenient for carrying while
(10:12):
traveling. Seashells have always captivated artists with their variety of shapes, textures,
and colors, offering endless possibilities for creative expression. From ancient mosaics to
modern sculptures like those by Blott Kerr-Wilson, seashells are transformed into intricate artworks
that celebrate their natural beauty. They appear in rococo paintings and traditional Hawaiian
jewelry, continuing to inspire diverse artistic forms and cultural traditions worldwide,
(10:37):
reflecting their timeless allure and symbolic importance in human creativity.
And as we continue to explore and appreciate seashells, it's important to recognize their
ecological roles and the need to protect marine environments. The beauty and utility of seashells
remind us of the intricate and delicate balance of nature, urging us to preserve it for future
generations to admire and cherish. And with that, if you are interested in learning more
(11:01):
about finding the magic in the mundane, please subscribe and review to the None But Curious
podcast, and also hop on the website, look for blogs and more resources, and subscribe to our
newsletter. Pick one, do them all, it's all appreciated. And until next time, may you continue
to find the magic in the mundane.
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