| From June 3 - July 1, 2006, The Folk Tree presents THE TREE OF LIFE: Traditional and Individual Interpretations, an abbreviated version of the exhibition of the same name held at El Camino College in 2005. THE TREE OF LIFE includes personal and universal representations of this powerful archetype by southern California artists, both established and emerging. A reception for the artists is scheduled on Saturday, June 3, from 2 - 6 P.M. The tree as icon has permeated world religions and cultures throughout history and into the present day. The tree figures prominently in mythological and mystical realms, as well as in more earthly arenas - it is referred to in anatomy and genealogy. It nourishes, protects and heals. In her statement for the original show, curator Susanna Meiers writes, "In many cultures the icon of the tree serves as an axis that links the heavens with the earth. For instance, the Cosmic Tree in Yggdrasil, from Scandanavian lore, stands at the center of three cosmic planes - the underworld, the Middle Earth or land of mortals and the heavenly world of the gods. In Judeo-Christian paradise, there were two trees - the tree of life and the tree of knowledge, each relating to the consciousness of humankind. Buddha attained enlightenment while seated beneath the Bodhi Tree. In some shamanistic healing rituals the tree becomes a vehicle of travel between upper and lower realms." The twenty area artists represented in the exhibition explore the archetype of the tree in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, printmaking and jewelry. Their pieces make cultural, environmental, historical, and spiritual statements. The artists included are: Sandy Abrams, Veralee Bassler, Pirko de Bar, Gina Lawson Egan, Susan Elizalde-Holler, Kathleen Flood, Rosie Getz, Danny Gonzalez, Joyce Kohl, Eva Kolosvary-Stupler, Yvette Mangual, Susanna Meiers, Nancy Mozur, Tina Riggs, Roxene Rockwell, Nancy Romero, Sonia Romero, George Two Horses, Linda Vallejo, and Nancy Webber. Included from The Folk Tree's holdings are colorful ceramic Mexican Trees of Life. In Lenore Hoag Mulryan's essay in "Ceramic Trees of Life: Popular Art from Mexico" (UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History), she states that the inspiration behind this form may date back to the Conquest period with the metal candelabras and incense burners that Catholic clergymen brought with them to Mexico. Over the last century, ceramic Trees of Life have become part of Mexican popular culture, and typically depict Biblical themes as well as those reflecting pre-Hispanic beliefs. The Folk Tree is located at 217 South Fair Oaks Avenue, minutes walking distance from the Gold Line's Del Mar station, and just south of Old Pasadena. Hours are: M-W, 11-6; Th-Sat, 10-6; Sun, 12-5. For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at 626/793-4828. |
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