Tree of Life

Title

Tree of Life

Publication Type

Artwork

Year of Publication

2018

Authors

Butler, Hannah (Primary)

Art Contest

2018 Art Contest Gallery

Terms of use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.

Bibliographic Citation

Abstract

This symbolic and sacred tree of life was painted to be reminiscent of an olive tree—the very kind of tree that the Savior himself knelt under in prayer in the Garden Of Gethsemane. 
 
The tree stands alone, symbolic of wisdom gathered over time. The twists and turns of the branches represent the hardships, sin, and imperfections of our lives. We all make mistakes and cannot overcome them without Jesus Christ. Through His Atonement, we can stand beautiful and triumphant. 
 
The fruit was created with gold leafing. Gold is a symbol of love and compassion. The fruit glows in the reflecting light, representing the light of Christ that we all have in our lives. The fruit is “sweet and pure” and brings “joy to the soul.”  
 
An olive tree’s leaves never fall; they rejuvenate and persist. They are a symbol of peace and forgiveness. Just like the leaf of an olive tree, the Savior’s love is constant. Paul referred to an olive leaf as the oil of gladness, and in that sense, it is also symbolic of joy. 
 
Because of the Savior’s pure and ultimate sacrifice for us, we can become free from sin, and live with our Father in Heaven again. It is only because of the Savior that we have the tree of eternal life.
Olive Tree
Tree of Life

© 2024 Scripture Central: A Non-Profit Organization. All rights reserved. Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 20-5294264