Memory Tree
Artist
John Fleming
MediumTumbled steel rods and pipe structure (natural steel finish), galvanized steel pipe
pile foundation, wood (maple) branches wrapped with 0.08 diameter galvanized wire
Dimensions252" H x 178" W x 178" D
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineSeattle Public Utilities 1% for Art funds
John Fleming was commissioned to work with Seattle Public Utilities to create a new permanent, site-specific artwork highlighting a project to reduce flooding on Thornton Creek and Meadowbrook Pond, restore water quality, and improve fish and wildlife habitat.
The artist took inspiration from a Japanese maple tree that used to exist on this property. The project removed the original maple tree from the site, but Fleming preserved its memory with the artwork Memory Tree. The original tree’s branches were collected, bundled and encapsulated into the 15 foot steel sculpture. The form and size roughly matches the shape of the original Japanese maple tree.
