Tree of Life
This project called for the creation of a donor recognition wall for the new Chabad Center of Indianapolis, located at 2640 96th Street. The client was interested in creating a traditional tree motif while expressing a more contemporary and organic character.
Conceptually, the design seeks to articulate the history and future of the Jewish people. At the foot of the design there are twelve roots reminiscent of the Children of Israel. These subsequently join together forming the trunk, symbolic of the Nation of Israel, and at the top this trunk divides into eighteen branches, representing the Future Generations of Israel. The donor names will be engraved on the leaves as the fruit of the tree.
The tree is constructed entirely out of naval brass with the trunk receiving a light patina finish and the leaves a thin nickel plating. The parts were cut by a CNC waterjet and finished by the artist at Product and Design in Brooklyn, NY.