A note from Jacqueline Martin-Miller

This exhibition has been conceived at a time in history that is specifically more unpredictable than ever known in the past, in a world where the idea of growing 'Asparagus on Mars' is now cognisable and not as remote as the idea of X-ray were less than 200 years ago.

Botanic Gardens Trust Executive Director, Dr Tim Entwisle said Australian seeds are among the hardiest seeds on earth and may well be suitable as oxygen producers when humans colonise the moon or other planets.

"Great advances in science are often the result of unexpected results. Sending native seeds into space may open up whole new research areas, or it may confirm that we are already doing the best we can to conserve our seed for future needs," he said. "Perhaps more importantly, I hope this short trip into space for some Aussie seeds will raise awareness of seedbanking as an insurance policy for the future."

NASA astronaut Dr Gregory Chamitoff has taken the seeds with him on the Discovery Mission. The Discovery launched into space on 31 May 2008 on Mission STS-124 to the International Space Station.
From ancient times, artists have traditionally been the visual story tellers, safeguarding and preserving world history, experiencing and reflecting (sometimes without knowing) the times in which they lived. Their story evolves through the complexities of their own personal circumstances. Their intuition, feelings, strengths and determination become the threads of wisdom unfurling onto the landscape of time.

In this millennium, where technology is evolving so fast, several artists in Russia are experimenting with painting in zero gravity. It won't just be seeds in space, soon we may have Residencies in Space! As in the past, scientists and artists must continue to work together.

On behalf of all artists, I would especially like to warmly thank Anthony Bond OAM and Professor Anne Graham for their ongoing support; all three of the Trusts for leaping into the unknown and building friendships; as well as John Lovett "An Ordinary Bloke" who gave us the opportunity to contribute in our own unique way to assist in promoting understanding and awareness of all seed vaults as special places in the world. Remember that even the most ancient cultures stored "Treasure of Seeds" in tombs/caves for their journeys into the afterlife... safeguarding their destinies.

I would also like to thank the artists for sharing something of themselves, especially those who even under adverse circumstances have participated with great honour and perseverance.

Finally, a special dedication to and celebration of Cary Fowler who brought his dream into reality. The Global Crop Diversity Trust will live on because of him.

— Jacqueline Martin-Miller de Velasco
Concept Developer/Curator
http://www.linsket.com/

Jacqueline spent her very early childhood between London and the villages of the Picos de Europa (European Peaks), home of Spain's deepest caves such as Torca del Cerro (1589 m), arriving in Australia at the age of five to spend most of her childhood years growing up in the remote world heritage listed Jenolan Caves, the most spectacular limestone cave system in Australia. As one of very few children who ever lived there in history, she had "the world's best backyard" only metres away from a prehistoric subterranean gallery which the rest of the world came to visit.

Much of her visual arts work has been influenced by her inner spirit and being a survivor of life- threatening illness, as well as living in such childhood isolation where creativity was a daily occurrence out of necessity and intuition. Her imagination and inspiration grew to encompass a profound passion for understanding humanity, life and the universe at large, where there are no limitations or barriers.

"In this century we are flying much faster than Leonardo da Vinci's flying man with bird wings. In this very strange world, we the artists, ask that our fellow friends be open minded about all possibilities in art, and empathise with new concepts."