Trees possess an amazing ability to be strong yet flexible. The cellular structure of a tree is arranged in closely packed thin, hollow tubes or rays that are oriented radially from the root to the crown. These work together in tension and compression to keep the tree standing. In tree growth, rays often “twist” in order to maintain the flow of nutrients around defects such as fire scars and disease. An open and closed helical form of harvested grapevine was created to allow the public to physically enter and experience the structure and power of trees.
(Collaboration with Tory Christensen and Hannah Loope)