CHATANOOGA.- Eighty-four aluminum and colored Lucite panels were laser cut and re-fabricated to create the intriguing Seed-Pod solar sculpture. The 8ʼ x 12ʼ Seed-Pod design was inspired by studying organic forms and the geometric principles that determine their patterns and structures. Pattern formations found in seeds and seed cases; stems, flowers and fruits; shells, beehives and wasp nests, influenced a new way of thinking about the structure and design of Deedee Morrisonʼs sculptures.

Morrison attempts to imitate the design principles that exist in the world to create sustainable solutions with art, by mimicking the strategies found in nature. “Solar sculptures in the right environment are extremely effective ways to demonstrate how solar energy works and can become an icon of sustainability for a city - the sculpture will be a wonderful addition to the Renaissance Park”. states the artist Deedee Morrison. Seed-Pod is a visual display of the power and energy thatʼs available every day from a single solar panelʼs relationship with the sun. The color scheme of the Seed-Pod sculpture mirrors the vibrant yellow hues of the sun.

Near the Seed-Pod sculpture is the 18ft. solar tower that, like plants, collects and stores the energy released from the sun. The Seed-Pod and the solar tower are intimately connected in the phenomena of life and growth. The solar tower captures the energy of the sun during the day and the Seed-Pod emits the dramatic stored light at night, giving the sculpture itʼs added dimension.

The Solartech 125 W solar panel's sole function is to convert sunlight into useable energy and transfer that energy through the charge controller to the battery bank. The charge controller scales down the energy produced to the correct voltage (12v) to charge the batteries. The batteries store the energy to be used until needed. The two 92 AH batteries run the 12 LED floodlights for about 14 hours continuously before needing a recharge. The 12V-DC LED lights only require 10 Watts of power each, which when combined only requires about the equivalent power of a single 110 Watt lightbulb.

Deedee Morrison is an artist specializing in large public works made of aluminum, steel, limestone, Lucite and solar powered light. Her sculptures have been exhibited and installed in permanent displays nationwide. Her sculpture studio is in a turn of the century steel foundry and limestone quarry and her work is heavily influenced by the setting as she juxtaposes the industrial with the natural environment.