Consider the totality of
everything you know
about this extraordinary
planet we call Earth.
Compress that complex
image into a symbolic
and richly detailed
artwork, then add
a pillar of fire as
a symbol of human
possibility.
What about the tree?
It represents the evolving
continuum of human life
on Earth.
Firetree believes in the power of collaboration
to achieve long-lasting global goals.
Beginning as a collaboration with fellow artist, Saige Baxter, Duncan MacDiarmid undertook a six-year project to construct Firetree, a 24-foot-tall steel sculpture that is rich with details formed in copper and other natural materials. There's a child's sense of playfulness and fantasy seen in its design, however through symbolism, Firetree imparts a message about human life within our finite, planet habitat. It takes little effort to realize that we rest undeniably within an extraordinary planetary ecosystem.
Firetree evolved over a period of six years, during which time a community of artists, businesses, individuals and organizations contributed their skills and resources toward the great effort it took to make this project become a reality.
Fire can represent many things.
Within this steel sculpture, fire rises as a symbol of humankind's impressive power to achieve extraordinary global goals.
Come touch the tree!
Everyone can engage, contribute, advocate, and advance the world toward a strong planet future for
all life on Earth.
The Firetree Project was launched from a coffee shop conversation between two artists, Saige Baxter and Duncan MacDiarmid. On September 22, 2018, the Pittsburgh-based Society of Sculptors hosted the first Firetree Celebration in Millvale, PA. USA.
We enjoyed sharing Firetree at First Night, Pittsburgh 2024!