How to "Plant" a Tree on a Wall

Kudos to Gustav Sculptor and Richard Cawley for their creative metal work. It is spectacular...but don't take my word for it! Come see the tree in the Isaak Foyer at Neveh Shalom!
                                             

It's really heavy!

Richard (L)  Gustav (R)

                                   

                        Richard's Dad to the rescue!

I certainly owe all these guys an apology for capturing their backsides only. 

It Is A Tree of Life!

The tree was mounted yesterday. The leaves were mounted today.

Words fail to adequately express my joy at seeing this project in its final phase. 

Here are the basic tidbits of information.
• it is located in the foyer of the sanctuary at Neveh Shalom
• it is part of the rededication of the foyer in honor of Rabbi Daniel Isaac who retired following 22 years of service to this Portland shul.
• the tree design was created by Gary Pearlman, a talented artist and devoted congregant who helped with the leaf placement today.

• Gary hired Gustav Sculptor and Richard Cawley worked from Gary's drawing and calligraphy.
• I crafted the leaves and operate the glue tube.

I am grateful to my husband Jeff who climbed the ladder today to place the leaves (as directed!)

Shadows and Reflected Light!

The metal tree was attached to the wall today. The leaves will be attached tomorrow.
We put a few leaves on the tree today just to get a sense of the potential ....cool shadows and reflected light!
It's very exciting ....I can hardly wait!

Tomorrow I'll post the the finished project and revel the location!

Almost done!    This is in the kiln right now....about 40 leaves (I forgot to count!). I have stacked shelves hoping to save cost. Tomorrow I'll "toss" in the last 15 or so....
and then..... I get to pull out the fiber paper...."oh goody," she exclaimed (facetiously!) 

It's a tedious task. I've only cleaned out about 15 leaves so far. I can already feel my technique improving.

I look forward to going to the metal shop again....it is such a play land! I'll ask if I can take pictures when I get there!

My Outdoor Studio!

What a glorious sunshine filled day! I can't work and take a selfie so  I thought I'd just show you what my outdoor workspace looks like today! I am sooooo fortunate to have this annex to my studio!

I'm scrubbing the edges of more leaves. I have many many many many more leaves to scrub...and then there is the rest of the process required to successfully fused them and get them ready for mounting on the metal sculpted tree of life.....
   Speaking of trees (of life)...I've had constant musical company in the trees and at the feeder all morning! 

The leaves have begun!

The first batch of leaves is completed. A few adjustments and a double shelf will be made tomorrow....

Branching Out!

I've been asked to manufacture 75-90 leaves for a very special project.  I am not at liberty yet to disclose more information.

What's pretty exciting about all this beyond the specialness of the project is that I get to :
a. work with a remarkable artist
b. work with a water jet company and learn more about that process
c. be a part of this wonderful project.

Stay tuned...more info coming soon!