Tree of Life

Tree of Life is a vibrant, three-dimensional ceramic sculpture inspired by indigenous stories and folklore from Rosales’s home country of Venezuela. It imagines nature as a living, conscious presence—one that nurtures, protects, and connects all life. The hand-crafted figures represent elements of plants, animals, and the human spirit, acting as playful guardians and storytellers. Set within the peaceful landscape of the Houston Botanic Garden, the sculpture invites wonder, joy, and reflection on our deep and timeless relationship with the natural world.

Rosales says, “Tree of Life reminds me of the garden of my childhood in Venezuela, which was rich in colors, forms and wisdom; full of insects and birds. This was the place where I heard stories that were passed from generation to generation. These stories taught me the healing properties of some plants, and I heard fascinating myths where nature was always the main protagonist.”