Roots
Jillian Damstedt Shaw
- Medium
United States
ca. 2019
Copper foil leaded stained glass
Depicting five trees significant in scripture, Shaw’s stained glass portrays the tree of life in the center: a tree of hope, love, and eternal life. The tree’s roots are intermingled pictorially with the tree of knowledge. The olive tree is a symbol of the Savior’s sacrifice and mercy. The little sapling references Alma’s description of faith growing from a tiny seed. And finally, the Sacred Grove’s bright beams of enlightenment shine through the branches, representing “the light we can gain when we enter our own forests and pray,” said Shaw.