Sonfist recognizes how a natural material has its own life and forms. His time capsules are made of different types of metals that dissolve at a constant rate, each eventually releasing the seeds contained within. He has also used metals to explore the material itself and its structure. Sonfist utilizes the flexibility of the metal to capture the curves of natural leaves.

Natural and Gilded
1974
Natural and gilded leaves and twigs
24 x 24 in.

Time Enclosures of Boca Raton, Outdoor Installation
1979
Endangered seeds of Florida and metal (copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, cortan steel)
each enclosure: 24 x 24 x24 in.

Each enclosure contains a complete forest of seeds. The enclosures age, and release the forest according to the rate of the metal’s decay.