Embedded Files
The Tree of Life is a large-scale wooden art installation commissioned for the Brown/RISD Hillel building, measuring approximately 10 feet tall by 23 feet wide. Collaborating with a fellow student, I co-designed and constructed this piece using traditional woodworking tools and laser cutting techniques.
This project began from a conversation with Hillel leaders about what type of art installation would fit well in the space. I had previously participated in an internship program at the Hillel which ended with the creation of another art piece, so I knew there was interest in further collaboration. Once we had a rough budget and timeframe, my girlfriend at the time (now my wife) created the first conceptual sketches while she was abroad in Italy. My partner Sam Title and I then digitized the final draft using Adobe Illustrator to create precise cutting paths for a laser cutter. We selected various domestic wood species for the decorative panels, some of which featured laser-engraved text as well. The final finishing took place on-site at the Hillel building, after which we mounted the assembled pieces to create the finished tree!
This experience enhanced my skills in collaborative design, digital fabrication, and large-scale project management. I learned the importance of precision and attention to detail when working with diverse materials and tools, as well as the value of effective communication and teamwork in bringing a complex artistic vision to life.
For a visual overview of the project’s development, check out the video series below:
Google Sites
Report abuse