Wisdom Tree
A transformation of a dying tree into a sculpture at East Chicago, Indiana’s Washington Park
In Chicago and surrounding areas, many of the trees are dying in the parks. Instead of cutting them down, artists are being commissioned to turn them into sculptures. In this concept, Treeodes™ appear at the ends of each trimmed branch and totems consisting of painted sticks and Treeode™ slices hang from many of the large branches. The brightly colored branch slices and sticks swaying and twirling in the wind are beautiful in their own right. Additionally, the viewer is invited to spend more time with the tree and decode its secret message portrayed by these hanging totems. Each one represents a letter in the International Morse Code consisting of dots (Treeode™ wood slices) and/or dashes (painted sticks). Each large branch holds a word with the letters starting from the main trunk in the center of the tree and going outward. Directions, the International Morse Code, and instructions on how to find the answer from this webpage are etched into Treeodes™ that are attached to the base of the tree (scroll down to reveal the answer).
The Answer:
“Advice From a Tree…” inspires park goers to pause and be with nature. This might look like lying in the grass and watching the spinning totems whirl like a galaxy in motion. Or this might be more like a meditation, going within and thinking about what pushing the envelope means to them. As artists this message is very important to living out our mission. Sometimes there aren't many people believing in you, and life as an artist can come with great challenges but one must move forward with their initial, authentic spark of inspiration... and go out on a limb.
Our concept requires participation and for some that might mean stepping out of a comfort zone or going out on a limb just to interact with the art. We hope many individuals, hospital patients, health care providers, families and community groups will be inspired to listen to the wisdom of ancient knowledge that lives within the plant kingdom. Many people’s favorite place for contemplation, meditation, or to feel connected to something larger is in nature. We are genuinely grateful for being a part of the transformation of Washington Park.