Artwork copyright rhiza A+D. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright rhiza A+D. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright rhiza A+D. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission (detail).

Artwork copyright rhiza A+D. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Artwork copyright rhiza A+D. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission.

Blossom of Life: (I think), 2015

rhiza A+D
Ean Eldred (American, born 1966); Richard F. Garfield (American, born 1942); John Kashiwabara (American, born 1964); Peter Nylen (American, born 1966)

Location: Lower Columbia College, Longview

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Blossom of Life: (I think) is a vibrant, suspended sculpture created by the architectural team rhiza A+D. It is a reimagining of the "Tree of Life" story found in mythology, theology, cosmology, philosophy, and biology around the world in many cultures. The "Tree of Life" connects all forms of creation. Colorful buds and blossoms replace the usual imagery of trunks and branches to show life's complex interconnections. The artists state that the artwork "traces out life's transformation from single-celled bacteria and archaea to multi-celled plants and mammals. Its branches are hyperbolic, terminating in reflective nodes. Its blossoms become transparent overlapping species. Its colors reflect and mix."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lower Columbia College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Architecture and design studio rhiza A+D creates a diverse array of site-specific architectural and sculptural installations. Their public artworks "contribute to our shared environment, culture, and identity." rhiza A+D is based in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 2005 by partners Ean Eldred, Richard F. Garfield, John Kashiwabara and Peter Nylen, who have been working together since the mid-1990s.