The subject matter and actual tree form was taken from the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. While doing genealogy research of my Slovakian relatives I stumbled onto a tree while lost in the Tatra Mountains. I was pleased and humbled to run into a tree that had the American rock band Guns-N-Roses carved into it. I recreated the tree on the outskirts of a Slovakian steel town in rural Western Pennsylvania. The Slovakian tree form was not only recreated but also manipulated so that it shared a connection with its American counterpart, an actual tree in western Pennsylvania. (Please refer to photos) This type of juxtaposition not only symbolizes a bridging of cultures, but also transmutes to a loving embrace, an act of rapture, or a raucous dance sequence.

Sculpture/poured concrete
Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete Poured concrete, steel rebar, wire, attached to live tree
G-N-R
2007
Poured concrete, steel rebar, wire, attached to live tree
approx. 20' X 10' X 7' 610cm X 287 X 213
Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete
G-N-R
2007
610cm X 287 X 213

Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete
G-N-R
detail
Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete
G-N-R
detail

Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete
G-N-R
detail
Jeph Gurecka Sculpture/poured concrete
G-N-R
detail