project overview
Tree of Life | Cancer Survivors Park
The image of a tree symbolizes growth and new life in the tile mosaic mural by Kristi Duckworth at Cancer Survivors Park. Duckworth led workshops with cancer survivors who had the opportunity to create handmade tiles for the work. The iconography of the tree of life interconnects all forms of creation. The image is a universal symbol that occurs in a number of world religions and philosophies.
“[The] tiles represent what keeps us grounded, what feeds our souls as we live each day as survivors.”
The Memphis Cancer Survivors Park was designed by architect Dianne Dixon, artist Kristi Duckworth, and landscape architect Mike Lemm, with assistance from Park Services landscape architect Keith Schnadelbach. It includes a labyrinth, garden, a series of butterfly statues, and a mosaic. The park is designed to help visitors find their way through focused walks and contemplation. Wildflowers are planted throughout the park to attract butterflies and Memphis artist Yvonne Bobo created a series of complementary butterfly sculptures along the walkways.
about the artist
Kristi Duckworth
Kristi Duckworth received her Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design from the University of Memphis. During her career as an artist, Duckworth has contributed multiple works of art to the public realm. She has been creating mosaics for over 25 years. Her works in tile, hand-painted ceramics, glass, concrete, and stone are often inspired by the environment and reflect the beauty and diversity of nature.
