Baystate Medical Lobby Tree of LIfe

In mid-December of 2022, we received exciting news - our design was approved and we had 10 weeks to create one of the largest and most ambitious sculptural, hand-carved murals to date. These photos show the initial designs and early stages of the process as the team worked through the holidays to pug, roll, shape, and carve the 128 14" clay tiles. 128!

The kiln gods smiled and Natalie and Cynthia used their abundance of creativity to move through this massive project with skill. On installation day, the final tiles loaded into the van were still warm from the kiln and the install went off without a hitch. Not only did Natalie design and create the artwork, she also installed it, a full 24 hours before the final deadline.

“This piece was inspired by a long-time desire to illustrate how the earth has a system of energy and vitality similar to the human body. When I learned the building design concept was based on ‘A Healing Rhythm’ theme - and each of the seven building floors represented a layer of the earth’s biosphere - I related it to the eastern tradition of energy centers in the body called the seven major Chakras. Here was an opportunity to artistically render how these different layers of the earth are synonymous with those of our bodies.” (From the Natalie Blake artist statement.)

Our studio worked with Carla Santia & Associates on this design for the Baystate Health campus in Springfield, MA where a seven-floor “Healing Rhythm” concept was beautifully executed. Moving through the layers of stone, soil, rivers, sub-canopy, canopy, mountains, and atmosphere, the artistic elements of each floor of the building were designed with inspired vision and care. Thank you to Carla Santia and the Baystate team for celebrating the healing power of art!