The Silver Tree

The “Silver Tree”, composed of approximately 750 pieces of hand hammered stainless steel flatware, represents more then just a different use of our everyday utensils. It represents, for me and in a whimsical fashion, the importance of trees in our everyday lives. We are born from the earth as is every natural element around us, including trees and the precious heavy metals that form the very flatware used to construct my “Silver Tree”. The base of this sculpture is of recycled wood rafters from a nearly 100 year old family barn that was recently deconstructed. The three even sides of the triangular base were chosen to represent the three life elements of Air, Water and Earth and each side is adorned with either forks, knives or spoons acting as the root system and suspending the “Silver Tree”. Only upon the base of the trunk do these three elements intertwine to form a uniform structure that carries the different branches and multiple flowers incorporated into the sculpture. Trees are a representation that life will carry on. As one tree falls to the earth and degrades, it becomes the base for another generation to flourish! Trees, no matter their size, shape or state seem to carry a warmth and grandeur that has inspired generations to do and be great things.