Materials: Western maple, elm
Dimensions: Variable
This piece is a reflection on renewal and new beginnings. The sculpture and accompanying benches symbolize a tree giving back to the forest.
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The primary sculpture is positioned to emphasize the base of the tree, with the root system flaring upward toward the sky. Composed of both smooth and gnarled wood, the work will, in a sense, turn the tree inside out—offering viewers a new perspective and inviting them to experience the tree in an unexpected way.
The benches represent fragments that have broken away from the trunk, encouraging people to sit, pause, and interact with the piece more intimately. Together, the elements create opportunities for reflection, conversation, and curiosity, while gently reminding us of our enduring connection to the natural world.
Crafted from reclaimed Western Maple—known for its rich colour and expressive texture—the sculpture and benches were designed to complement the building’s existing wood elements. Additionally, wood from the Elm tree that once stood in the courtyard will be incorporated into the structure, grounding the piece in the history of the site.
This piece reconnects visitors to the memory of the Elm tree and acknowledges the presence and importance of nature within the space. While the original tree may no longer stand, its story continues through this work—marking both a continuation and the beginning of something new.
