THE CONCEPT
The Tree of Life was born as a concept by the Director of Fundraising at Wakefield Hospice and brought to life by sculptor Michael Kusz at his studio in Reeth.
The copper-clad steel tree is more than two metres high and has a six metre spread.
The sculpture was split into nine pieces for transport and assembly at the hospice in the Summer of 2007.
Michael Kusz describes how he took inspiration for the sculpture from nature:
- The Tree of Life is a universal motif found in nearly every ancient culture; a symbol of the uniting of heaven and earth, spiritual nourishment and even enlightenment. With its branches reaching into the sky and the roots deep in the earth, it dwells in three worlds - a link between
heaven, earth and the under-world, uniting above and below. - All life emanates from the Sun. It is a symbol of unity and has been used as the motif for the base of the sculpture.
- Unity leads to duality as the foundation of subsequent evolution i.e. the trunk
- Each of the main limbs i.e. branches divides again yeilding the number four. This traditionally symbolizes completion, stability and predictability, as well as the representation of all earthly things. It is four elements, directions and seasons.
In turn each sprouts three branches giving twelve in all. This number is strongly associated with the heavens as the zodiac as well as the months of the solar year
THUS
- each month branch carries four week branches, providing anchor points for the proposed leaves.
The Sycamore tree style was chosen as it is well known for growing where other trees fail. Its ability to shed its bark and reveal new growth makes the Sycamore a symbol of perseverance, vitality and life.
LANDSCAPING THE AREA
The area surrounding the Tree is currently undergoing some landscape developments, ready for it's launch in late spring. Many people have contributed to get us to this stage and we would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters.
