The Tree of Life is an ancient sacred image. A visual representation signifying all life on earth is interconnected as one.
In Judaism, the Tree of Life is called, Etz Chaim. In Christianity, in the book of Revelation the Tree of Life is portrayed in this way, “the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22: 1-2
The Sacred Life-Arts’ Tree of Life with Pomegranates…
Pomegranates have always been a potent symbol for me. The mythological story of Persephone’s abduction to the underworld, and her relationship with pomegranates is a powerful story for all women.
The Tree of Life is also a compelling symbol. Roots that are ancient and deep in the fertile earth, the womb of creation, a strong trunk full with wisdom, and branches reaching for the heavens, countless branches representing the myriad cultures and peoples of the world.
When I think of Sacred Life-Arts, I think of the Tree of Life, heavy and full of pomegranates. This Sacred Life-Arts’ Tree of Life is a symbolic portrayal of feminine wisdom, creativity, and mythology. Notice there are twelve pomegranates. These represent Sacred Life-Arts’ seven facets of illuminations combined with the five physical senses. The figure within the tree holds the sixth sense, intuition, represented by the female form with her light-filled heart.
Karen Blessen, Artist and Creator
of the Sacred Life-Arts’ Tree of Life Logo
Photo by Danny Fulgencio
I have been blessed to call Karen my friend for over twenty years. We first met when she was my illustration teacher. In 1994, we co-created a book together, Be an Angel, and we’ve shared other wonderful adventures through the years.
Karen’s creativity is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She was the first graphic artist to win a Pulitzer (1989), and she’s also an accomplished journalist and writer.
Karen is a co-founder and past president; and the creator of “MasterPEACE: Young Artists Making a Kinder World, a project based curriculum that uses art, theatre and music to teach children about non-violence and heroes of human rights.”
As a visionary, Karen is birthing a new project into the world… 29 Pieces is an exhibit of large scale art that uses sculpture and the written word to internalize and illuminate the transforming power of sacred words. Sacred Life-Arts is blessed by Karen’s spirit-filled creative blessing, The Tree of Life.
