The Tree Planter

Cast resin / stained with an acrylic paint wash.

Obverse: A woman plants a small tree

Reverse: The fully-grown tree, many years later.

The inspiration for this medal comes from the old adage – “They who plant trees, love others, too.” – demonstrating that people who labor or give of themselves (even though they may never reap any reward), are true lovers of their fellow man. Out of a desire to give selflessly, they are compelled to leave something behind for the future – for both animal and man to enjoy – in this case, the comfort, shade and protection of a tall and beautiful tree. There are many sources from around the world for this old saying – Roman statesman Cicero, 18th century English physician Thomas Fuller, 19th century French theologian Father Hyacinthe Loyson, and proverbs from the Greeks, Turks and Native Americans – making it not only a concept that dates back through time, but one that is a universal representation of altruism. In light of our urgent need to address climate change now and our concern for the protection and conservation of the earth’s wild spaces, it is an idea that one hopes will become a driving force in the world again.