The Tamarisk tree, shown below, an emigrant
from Asia Minor, has become established through out the West and is considered
as having no equal for resistance to wind, heat, drought and poor soil. It grows well in saline soil, hence the
nickname "Salt Cedar". The
Tamarisk was first brought to this country as an ornamental tree because of the
minute pink flowers that cover the tree, making a showy display in the spring. The scientific name "Aphylla"
designates the variety used for this art piece.
The Aphylla Tamarisk takes the shape of a handsome tree, reaching 25
feet in high. With care and watering it
can reach height of 40 feet with a 2-foot diameter trunk.
Technical Vessel Information
Size: 93"h
x 14"w x 14"d
Weight: 43 lbs.
Material: Tamarisk segments, veneer,
fiberglass shell, solid Tamarisk.
Construction: Four 8’x 4”
strips of 1/8” veneer were fastened to every other surface of an octagon base
and top piece. This assembled structure was mounted on a closet pole passed
through holes in the center of these octagon pieces. The base was attached to the pole and the top
was rotated 45 degrees and secured to the pole.
This twist in the veneer assembly enabled the four strips to be pulled
together in the central area of the vessel and when attached, formed a square
shape. The other four surfaces at the
base and top were fitted with triangular pieces, which closed the core
shape. Fiberglass cloth was applied to
all surfaces and wood segments were attached.
Veneer strips were fastened to edges of all surfaces to define the
various planes and all areas were resin grouted. The top and bottom sections of solid wood
were attached and the entire piece was shaped and sanded.
Source: Campus of Central Arizona
College, located in the Aravaipa Canyon area of Arizona.
Finish: Danish oil was rubbed into wood and all
surfaces were finished with a paste wax.
*More detail can be found on my art at my website <www.apatchablue.com>
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