The Living Tree

The “Living Tree” was an awarded commission by The Calgary Bar Association and The Legal Archives Society of Alberta in November 2010.

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“Living Tree” is a five-panel oil painting that embodies justice and law in the thriving metropolitan city of Calgary. Each panel is 6’ 6” high x 4’ 10” wide with approximately 6” of spacing between each panel. The majestic “Living Tree”, adorns the 52’ back wall of the Ceremonial Courtroom in Calgary’s Court Centre. The custom design is 24 feet of painting expanding the length of 26’ of wall.

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The inspiration for this piece was the symbolic representation of the Canadian Constitution along with the ever-changing Calgary metropolis.

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The Canadian Constitution similar to a living, breathing tree is organic and always adapting.

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The chosen skyline includes current landmarks and all proposed buildings. To stay consistent with the underlying theme of continual change, the brilliant colors of the autumn season have also been depicted in the painting.

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The tree itself has been painted in bronze, gold, and rich yellows echoing the brass doors of the old courthouse. Key passages from the Canadian Constitution and Charter, are visible running through parts of the roots and trunk of the living tree.