Marguerite Elliot, Founder (USA)

Medusa Trees
Steel, 23K Gold leaf
144 x 60 x 60 inches

In Greek mythology Medusa could turn all who gazed upon her face into stone. In a way, the Medusa Trees are furious that one in six tree species are threatened of extinction. We currently lose 36 million trees a year due to climate change and urban sprawl. I began focusing on trees during the Covid pandemic when we were all confined to our homes.

Trees brought me much solace during my many long hikes. They represented life, longevity, and inspired wonder by their immense size. Unfortunately, in California, we have the ever-present threat of drought, heat, and wildfires which destroy millions of trees each year.

My Medusa Tree represent my anger at what is happening in our environment. The lone 23 K gold leaf bird’s nest nested in the tangled branches highlight our concurrent loss of birds, but symbolically holds out the hope for new life.