THE WORLD TREE (2001)

 

In the Christian church and tradition, the image of the tree ties together the themes of the Garden of Eden, the Cross, and the coming paradise depicted in the Book of Revelation.

The mosaic left panel of this tryptich presents pre-Christian images of the moon, in both its full and sickle phases, associated with women as well as with many pre-Christian religions. The mandorla (almond shape) is associated with the birth of a divinity. The gold columns refer to the house of Wisdom, as described in Proverbs 8. The myserious darkness, the advent candles and the crosses and seeds suggest new realities in the process of coming into being.

The woven center panel, with its Christ candle, begins the Church year proper. The dark Tau cross takes us to Lent and Good Friday. The flowering branch recalls Easter. The huge Pentecost flame reminds us of the Spirit in all creation and in the foundation of the Church.

In the right hand mosaic panel the flame is transformed into a tree of life, growing out of the waters of the river of life. The sun leads off the edge into the unknown but hopefully spirit-transformed future.

This piece is permanently on display in the Congregational Church of Needham, Massachusetts.

 

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