Southern Red Oak Tribute Sculpture
We seem to place some innate respect on those things that last the “test of time.” This Southern Red Oak passed the test: It was big enough to climb, long before the Fourth & Gill Neighborhood’s very conception. A touch or gaze upon this tree connected us with a past of another time and provided us with a sense of continuity reaching back to great-great-grandparents we never met. The loss of this tree is a loss of both something very alive and tangible and also something of heartfelt emotion, and intangible. The design and siting of this sculpture is meant to provide a gift of continuity to the neighborhood, an expression of gratitude and an opportunity for remembering. The concept and design for Southern Red Oak Tribute is by Fourth & Gill resident artists Gerry Moll and Katie Walberg, with support from the Fourth & Gill community. Our collaborative work is focused on projects that engage the public through experiences that encourage contemplation of our connection to each other and our environment.
Installed in the Fourth and Gill public park in Knoxville, TN. Created by Katie Walberg and Gerry Moll. Support was given by the city of Knoxville, TN and The Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Association.
Installed in the Fourth and Gill public park in Knoxville, TN. Created by Katie Walberg and Gerry Moll. Support was given by the city of Knoxville, TN and The Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Association.
Installed in the Fourth and Gill public park in Knoxville, TN. Created by Katie Walberg and Gerry Moll. Support was given by the city of Knoxville, TN and The Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Association.
Installed in the Fourth and Gill public park in Knoxville, TN. Created by Katie Walberg and Gerry Moll. Support was given by the city of Knoxville, TN and The Fourth and Gill Neighborhood Association.
Forming the lettering that was set into the concrete base.
In process during installation.
Artist concept drawing of the reliquary that was set in the concrete base. it contained an actual dried leaf from the Southern Red Oak tree that was cut down. Illustrated by Katie Walberg
Artist concept illustration of the sculpture from an aerial view. Concept drawing by Katie Walberg
Artist concept illustration of the sculpture from a side view. Concept drawing by Katie Walberg