Caroline Belanger
Tree of Life, 2022
Mixed media on canvas, in acrylic box
48 x 60 x 3.75 in.
(121.9 x 101.6 x 9.5 cm)

The tree of life is a fundamental archetype in many of the world's mythological, religious, and philosophical traditions. It is closely related to the concept of the sacred tree. The concept of the tree of life may have originated in Central Asia, and was absorbed by other cultures.  The tree of life represents the afterlife, and connection between the earth and heaven.

I made this piece for a vibrant, joyful, and creative family. The whole family painted papers together and then gave me the mission to turn it all into a Tree of Life featuring their Chinese zodiac animals. I loosely based my tree on a combination of a Flame Tree and the Tree of Life in Bahrain. The vibrant flowers burst from the infinite limbs and roots, meanwhile the animals gather playfully amongst the protection of the tree.