Rohan, “I designed the Bloom Effect tree in the form of a stylized Pohutukawa tree.
The Pohutukawa can live for up to 1,000 years, growing in what are often severely adverse conditions. They cling to windswept cliffs with their gnarled roots. They battle a lifetime of strong winds of the southern oceans and yet they produce beautiful, delicate, vibrant red flowers. This tree seemed suitably appropriate as a visual symbol of strength and perseverance despite difficult circumstances.”
If you look carefully, you can see it occupied by native birds, the morepork and tui.
Working with Lyn-Marie a.k.a Dizzie Pixie, (local community connection artist) they were able to receive Auckland Council funding to take this interactive installation around Tāmaki Makaurau Libraries and schools in 2021/22. It was as a much needed reprieve to allow people to reflect positively on how the pandemic has affected and changed the world we live in. Participants could write messages about what they were grateful for onto pieces of paper that fit into the holes in the trees.
Since coming to TAP Lab, Rohan uses the onsite laser cutter to make smaller versions called Gratitude Trees for people to have a visual reminder of their blessings in life.
To learn more about the women behind this incredible project:
https://www.facebook.com/threadworksnz
https://www.dizziepixiedesigns.com/