The Symbols of The Hope Tree

The sculpture’s tactile surface begs for you to glide your hands over the symbols carved there – a kind of emotional braille. The symbols are carved into the tree trunk – they are “of the tree” and not just “on the tree.” This is in recognition of the growing and changing nature of hope. It would be wonderful if hope were something you worked hard to get and then kept at the ready like a smooth stone in your pocket. But hope has a life cycle of its own – sometimes strong and palpable, sometimes weak and vaporous. And it is often not very smooth. Each of the 48 symbols on the tree were chosen for their historic or cultural connection to hope or its precursors. Hope requires reflection, courage, perseverance, faith and the support of others. It is not just one thing or found in just one place.

Every culture – modern and ancient – has found the need to make a mark trying to express this concept. It is no easy task. We are all so individual about what inspires us, what speaks to our hearts.

Relax now and read the stories behind The Hope Tree symbols and see if you can find one that resonates with your heart and spirit. One that will help you get through one more week, one more day, one more hour, one more minute.

Click the thumbnails below to see a larger image & read the story behind each Symbol
Adaptability-African
Albatross
Anchor
Angel
Bison
Boat
Bravery-African
Bridge
Bumblebee
Butterfly
Cherry Blossom
Children
Community-Aboriginal
Community-African
Community-Circular
Cross
Daffodil
Dove
Family
Fish
Flame
Gingko
Grapes
Hands
Hope-Africa
Hope-Chinese
Horse
Hummingbird
Journey-Aboriginal
Lamb
Lamp
Leaf
Lotus
Olive Branch
Owl
Pathway
Pelican
Perseverance
Phoenix
Rose
Sego Lily
Shamrock
Shell
Spiral
Star
Swallow
Turtle Dove
Water

Food For Thought

When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best - that is inspiration.

- by Robert Bresson




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Hope Tree Facts

Height: 13 Feet
Length: 13 Feet
Width: 8 Feet
Number of Symbols: 48
Number of Leaves: 624
Start to Finish Process: 447 days
Fabrication Manhours: 14,775
Steel: 1,800 lbs
Clay: 1,000 lbs
Metal Cladding: 300 lbs
Copper Leaves: 208 lbs
Total Estimated Weight: 3,310 lbs
Floor Anchor Bolts: 20
Copper Wire: 1,286 Feet
Tree Traveled: 1,242 miles
Travel Time: 29 hours 44 minutes
Installation Time: 12 days
Project Team Members: 68