Tree of Life

A tree of life is a common motif in various world theologies, mythologies, and philosophies; a mystical concept alluding to the interconnectedness of all life on our planet. Various forms of trees of life appear in folklore, culture and fiction, often relating to immortality or fertility. These often hold cultural and religious significance to the peoples for whom they appear. Connie had previously worked very heavily with shells, but never before mixed minerals into her shell projects. She was extremely pleased with how the integration of the two turned out, especially with the use of so many types of shells and minerals. She used a total of 19 types of shells and minerals including kyanite, slate, double-terminated quartz points from Peru, tourmaline, and black drusy quartz petrified wood from Caddo Lake. The frame was created using jingle and olive shells with orthoceras fossils. The birds featured sitting on the tree branches were created using oyster and pearl abalone shells.