Blake Debassige Imprisoned Man    1982 Acrylic on canvas 55.25 x 74 cm

Blake Debassige The Tree of Life 1982 Acrylic on canvas 153 x 236.8 cm Originally commissioned for over the fireplace in the Main Room

The Artist's comments

This painting is a celebration of life. It reflects a vision of life as seen through the story of the native community.

The stylized owl, which is set atop the tree, reminds us that people are mortal. Death is part of our living.

There are two representations of the Holy Trinity: Three birds sitting on the treetop and three circles above them.

Birds are considered the medium by which the soul travels. So each bird represents the people who have died, but whose presence is still felt around us. The various faces within the tree represent the people living today, at various ages. When you count all the faces they add up to 12.

Three figures on the lowermost branches: the animal-like form, the human form and the cocoon-shaped figure to the right represent the ancient culture and way of life of the people. They do not figure strongly in the mural but they are still present. Some of the ancient traditions and the language still remain, but there is much lost.

The naked Christ is depicted as an Indian Christ, for the native peoples adopted him generations ago. He holds wild roses in his hands recalling the practice of giving flowers when a person dies.

Two serpents appear as if through cracks and crevices in the earth with only the heads and tails visible. They represent temptation and the spirit of evil which exists in the world. Each one is grasping at small white butterflies but unable to secure them within their grasp. This is the reward for the dark side: futility.

The tree itself is a Cedar, known for its medicinal purposes and respected by the people. It is well rooted, firmly founded and strong.