The Tree of Life at Disney World's Animal Kingdom is a statement of art connecting all people, animals, and nature with the divine. The tree itself is constructed of that which is unnatural, so it fits the definition of van der Leeuw's architecture, but it is also a piece that brings attention to the nature surrounding an otherwise urbanized setting, so Olmstead would appreciate the beauty and design of the creation.
In religious terms, the Tree of Life connects with St. Francis of Assisi. He was a saint in the Catholic church who was a friend to all animals and in tunr was kind to nature. the ability to unite with the nature and animals is a peace and a sense ot redemption that van der Leeuw seeks in his art.
Inside the Tree of Life is a show about different animals, mostly bugs, who are working and living in the world. Ther bees are creating honey, and during the show the seats int he audience are jiggled by the bees (sensation of being stung). This goes along iwth the ritual dancing of the bees as a necessity in order to survive. Overall, the Tree of Life is an interesting concept t hat seems to embody quite a few of the things we had talked about in class, so it was worthy of a little blogging!
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