One of the more important functions of a flowform is the effect they have in the invisible realm- in that of our consciousness. From their inception, flowforms have be been utilized as educational tools, and a majority of their designers and crafts people have been involved in Waldorf pedagogy. As observation is perhaps one of the most important tools in our process of deeper knowledge and wisdom, the observation of water pulsing in a regular, symmetrical lemniscate, or figure-eight, is something that one does not normally experience- and therefore beckons for deeper contemplation. The flowform provides a window into the essential nature of Water- and therefore of all things that owe their birth to it. Many people describe it like watching Fire.

School discounts - With this focus on education, we feel it is necessary to support institutions that help deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. We offer special discount rates for schools and certain educational institutions- contact us for more information.

Consultation, lectures and training - Patrick Garretson is also available for presentations and trainings on water flow science and the Goethean perspective.

For educators - You can download this pdf of various water experiments that demonstrate waters role as the origin of organic shape and form: Water_Experimts.PDF

Books - Also, please see our products page for obtaining books and other educational materials!

Below are some various aspects of Water that relate to this fascinating art and technology.

Perhaps the most crucial works of scientific observation which lead to the development of the flowform was that of Theodore Schwenk in Sensitive Chaos. Schwenk and his colleagues from the Flow Research Institute were involved in studying the mathematically definable structures that water emulates as it flows- and how these structures- known as path-curve surfaces- are also found "solidified" in living things. Below are some of the images Schwenk and Wilkes observed.

These undulating vortices, known as Van Karman Street vortices, can also be observed in nature, when a cloudbank drifts evenly over an island, or when a laminar (straight) flow of water encounters a solid object with no other interference. The vortices demonstrated above by Schwenk were generated in still water, using a powder that floated on top, and then drawing a rod evenly and straight through the powdered surface. From these patterns, it is evident that water, and other fluids, have three primary stages: laminar, rhythmic (or harmonic), and turbulent. The rhythmic sequence is often overlooked by contemporary science, and is the basis for the discovery of the flowform method. All living things are dependent upon a myriad of rhythms- most of which have to do with water.

From the spiral, to the bi-symmetrical lemniscate, to the sinuous standing wave, the shapes water makes as it flows reveal a delicate structure which is constantly changing, but holding to a definite pattern. This pattern, so notes Schwenk, is the pattern of the cosmos and of the basic framework of the Universe. And thus Life is born in water.

The observations noted by Schwenk and Wilkes hearken back to previous scientific discoveries of Johannes Goethe. Goethe is well known for his poetic and literary works- namely Faust. But he was also a keen observer of Nature and her subtle qualities. It was Goethe who defined the science of morphology, which ultimately lead to Darwin's discovery of the evolution of species. The experiments with water carried out by Schwenk demonstrate a fundamental morphological sequence, or flow, evident in this most basic of elements. In other words, hidden within water lay the blue-prints for organic growth and development. The flowform is but one tool for revealing some of these hidden characteristics.

Many people associate the work of Victor Schauberger with the flowform. Though his work directly applies and is expounded upon in the flowform, John Wilkes was completely unaware of Schauberger when he designed the first flowform. It is likely that Theodore Schwenk who collaborated with Wilkes, was very well aware of Schauberger, though no where is he mentioned in Sensitive Chaos. However, Schaubergers work is worthy of note and we encourage those interested to explore it deeper as there is much that tragic fellow of science brought to the world that has yet to be developed. Below are some links to pages that describe Schaubergers work in more detail.