Tree of Time

Tree of Time is a kiln-formed glass sculpture designed for the center of the Port Kells Roundabout, celebrating the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the magnificent Douglas Firs and Sugar Maples that define the local landscape, this artwork symbolizes growth, history, and community. The sculpture consists of curved glass pieces arranged to resemble the annual growth rings of a tree, with textures cast from the bark of significant local trees. This composition not only pays homage to Port Kells’ historical forestry and trade past but also symbolizes the enduring presence of nature and the evolution of the community.

With a diameter of four feet, the artwork references a 140-year-old Douglas Fir—mirroring the span from the town’s founding in 1885 to 2025. The inner layers of glass represent the growth rings of a Sugar Maple and other trees in the region. The verticality of the sculpture, paired with a lighting element, transforms the roundabout into a landmark that acknowledges the past while looking toward the future. Positioned at the center, Tree of Time acts as a beacon, signifying the intersection of past, present, and future. It acknowledges the region’s First Nations history, early European settlement, and logging heritage, while also looking ahead to the growth and transformation of Port Kells as a hub of development.

Artistic Intent

The tree has long been a symbol of strength, resilience, and connection to place. It is a central element in the logo of the Katzie First Nation, underscoring the deep relationship between the land and its people. By capturing the textures and forms of the trees that define Port Kells’ identity, Tree of Time bridges history, ecology, and contemporary development. Inspired by the trees that have stood as silent witnesses to the area’s history, the sculpture embodies themes of endurance and memory. The unique cast glass structure reflects the annual growth rings of a tree, each ring capturing a moment in time, much like the evolving landscape of the community.

Beyond its references to natural heritage, the sculpture represents the early logging and railway industries that shaped Port Kells. The trunk-like form, textured with the impression of real bark, evokes both the area’s history of timber production and its role as a transportation hub. However, rather than a severed trunk, the sculpture’s vertical beam of light completes the tree, restoring its full height and vitality as a beacon of renewal and connection for the evolving community.

Located at the center of a roundabout—a place of movement and convergence—the artwork serves as a gathering point in spirit, symbolizing unity and shared history. Its form and materials create a dialogue between past and future, nature and industry, permanence and transformation.

Tree’s vertical presence at the heart of the roundabout signifies strength and stability, while the transparent and light-reflective qualities of glass allow it to interact with its surroundings dynamically, changing with daylight, weather, and seasons.

Lighting Plan

The lighting design enhances the artwork’s presence while ensuring it remains safe and non-intrusive for drivers and pedestrians. A carefully programmed lighting system will use only white light, with subtle shifts in white balance (neutral, warm, and cool tones) to create gentle visual movement. There will be no red, green, or yellow hues that might interfere with traffic signals.

• The primary light source is a recessed fixture in the foundation, projecting a vertical beam of light that extends above the sculpture, completing the full image of the tree. This creates a striking yet elegant nighttime presence, evoking the spirit of the Douglas Fir.
• A secondary ring of lights, suspended at the top of the sculpture, will illuminate the space above the trunk during rain or fog, shaping an ethereal canopy resembling the branches of a Sugar Maple.
• The intensity of the lighting will be carefully calibrated to match the surrounding environment, ensuring it does not cause glare or distraction to drivers.
• The lighting system will be connected to a programmable driver, allowing for special lighting sequences on significant dates such as Canada Day, Remembrance Day, or local community events.

The dual-lighting approach—vertical and circular—acknowledges the interplay of different tree species in Port Kells while creating a dynamic yet subtle transformation of the piece. Soft shifts in white balance—from neutral to warm to cool—will create a gentle, atmospheric effect, ensuring the sculpture remains a contemplative and elegant feature of the roundabout.

Structural Considerations

The glass elements will be supported by a lightweight stainless steel framework that is securely anchored to the foundations. This structure will elevate the glass panels approximately 10 cm above the ground, allowing for easy maintenance, cleaning, and access to the lighting system. The durability and stability of the materials will ensure the artwork withstands weather conditions and time, maintaining its integrity and visual impact for generations to come.

Conclusion

Tree of Time embodies the spirit of Port Kells—its deep-rooted history, its vibrant present, and its promising future. By blending natural forms with contemporary materials and innovative lighting, the artwork creates an iconic landmark for the roundabout, a focal point for the community, and a meaningful reflection of the land’s legacy.

This piece does not just commemorate the past but actively engages with the evolving landscape, inviting residents and visitors to reflect on their place within this continuum of time and change. Tree of Time stands as a beacon of unity, growth, and connection, enriching the heart of Port Kells with a work of art that bridges nature, history, and the future, serving as a guiding light for the evolving identity.