An ancient symbol with roots in Egyptian and Mesopotamian history, the Tree of Life represents the journey of life 鈥 from nourishment in the roots, through the trunk, to leaves reaching toward the spiritual world.
Last year, Rush approached sculptor Janet Austin to create a Tree of Life for RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The idea wasn鈥檛 just to add beauty to the space. Art in health care spaces is widely known to ease stress and offer hope when it鈥檚 needed most.
Known for her large-scale installations in parks, nature centers and public spaces across the country, the Evanston artist immediately embraced the idea.
鈥淲hen the Tree of Life concept was brought to me, I jumped at the opportunity,鈥 says Austin, whose artwork focuses on the connection between people and nature. 鈥淚t felt like such a natural fit with my work and vision for sculptures.鈥
Collaborating with RUSH MD Anderson
From the start, Austin wanted the piece to be a collaboration with RUSH MD Anderson patients and staff.
In June, she hosted a table at RUSH MD Anderson鈥檚 Cancer Thrivers鈥 Day event, inviting patients and families to view a mock-up of the sculpture and share affirmations that reflected their experiences. She later worked with a focus group of patients, staff and clinicians to gather more ideas and messages to be displayed on the piece.
鈥淭hose conversations opened up so much dialogue and inspiration for the piece,鈥 Austin says. 鈥淚 learned more about the positive statements that hold special meanings for patients and staff. And it helped shape not just what鈥檚 written on the leaves, but the spirit of the entire piece.鈥
Another idea that came from the focus group was to translate the messages of hope into the 10 most spoken languages at RUSH MD Anderson, such as Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, to name a few. These languages were identified with help from the hospital鈥檚 language services team.
鈥淚t was important to me that this piece felt inclusive, like it belongs to everyone who walks through those doors,鈥 Austin says. 鈥淎nd there鈥檚 something so beautiful about seeing words of comfort in your own language.鈥
A space for reflection
In addition to messages of hope for patients, the 11-foot-tall, steel sculpture includes from nature. Birds, a rabbit, a butterfly, a bee and others are nestled throughout the piece, each with its own meaning, to help deepen that connection for viewers.
Austin hopes the sculpture takes patients and families out of their immediate surroundings and offers a chance to pause and reflect.
鈥淚 want this sculpture to symbolize hope, resilience and the support that surrounds you 鈥 from the cancer center, from your family and from your friends,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small way to offer encouragement along your journey.鈥
Supported by The Woman's Board of 脱衣直播, the Tree of Life sculpture will be unveiled at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, during RUSH MD Anderson鈥檚 Cancer Thrivers' Day event in The Woman's Board lobby of the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building. For more on the tree鈥檚 symbols and message translations, visit .
