Wisdom Tree
Transformation of a dying tree into a sculpture
Washington Park, East Chicago, Indiana
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 the majestic old trees into sculptures. In this concept, bright, colorful rings spray-painted onto the trunk and branches give the tree a playful appearance to draw people in. A Morse Code message is created with white dots and dashes on each of the three main branches. These stylistically reference a collective tribal aesthetic, implying that we need to rediscover our roots and re-establish an indigenous relationship with the land where we live, work, and play. At the top/end of every remaining branch, spherical tufts made out of wire and zip-ties give the tree a Dr. Seuss-like playfulness of a Truffula Tree, as in his story, "The Lorax," a lighthearted tale with a message to speak for the trees.
(Scroll down to reveal the answer to the coded message).
