Role
Sculptor, Fabricator, Scenic Artist
Studio
Top-Loader, LLC
Suri Iron
Client
Laurel Parc at Bethany Village
2019
Tree
of Life
A life-size illuminated tree, permanently installed in the lobby of a Senior Living Community. Scott Foster of Top-Loader, along with Suri Iron, brought me on for the foam lay-up & carving, epoxy sculpt, light & leaf install, scenic paint, transport and site install.
Design & maquette sculpt by Scott Foster.
Mike Suri of Suri Iron built the tree's welded steel armature and wrap-around bench.
Scott Foster led a small team of other stop-motion friends, including Maeve Fianna Callahan, Katy Strutz, Javan Ivey, Rachel Olson and Toby Froud.
A tricky puzzle was wiring the lights so that each tree section could be separated/reconnected upon transport.
We embedded the lights as we sculpted the bark, making sure that each LEB bulb could be accessed and replaced.
Scenic painting in the canopy.
Each branch seam would get their final sculpt and camouflage paint upon install.
Laurel Parc requested outlets be installed in several places, to add globe lights for special events.
Load-out, featuring the gantry crane.
Thumbs-up from the boss!
The tree was built tall enough to be appreciated from the lobby, the grand staircase, as well as the second floor.
View from above, on the resident's living floor.
My favorite part was assembling the puzzle pieces (50+ modular branches) to fit it all in the front doors.
My second favorite part? The conversations shared with Laurel Parc's elders during install.
We hope it brings them joy and wonder for years to come.
Experience the Tree of Life on a 3D Virtual Tour
