metaphor - tree of utah

The sculpture, which is constructed mainly of concrete, consist of a trunk holding up six spheres. There are also several spheres segments on the ground around the base. Currently has a fence surrounding the base. Stopped quickly to check it out and take photos, it does not seem to be in good "state" of preservation. It looks a little weird from far!

I hate driving I80, and always look forward to breaking the monotony of the West Desert by spotting this massive artwork out in the middle of nowhere. The only bummer part is that you can't pull over and take pictures or get a closer look. But it's a beautiful piece that appears just when you need something to look at. Love it.

The Metaphor: the Tree of Utah is a strange 87-foot sculpture dedicated in 1986 sitting on the north side of I80 in the Great Salt Lake Desert about 25 miles east of Wendover, UT.

The "Tree of Utah" is very cool and very strange. It fits the "lunar landscape" of the Salt Flats very well.

I've driven past this thing on I80 many times and I never knew what it was or that it had a name. Metaphor for what you say? No idea... Weathervain of life? Lamp post of honesty? Quite frankly, I always thought some dessert person was trying to contact life outside of our galaxy.

I believe this is near mile marker 26. It is worth getting your camera out if you are into documenting that sort of hokey, "biggest ball of yarn" American road trip experience (which I am). Not worth stopping for though. I am still not quite sure what it is all about but you can find some background info online.

I had accidentally found out about this supposed artwork on the internet when researching how to find the Bonneville Salt Flats off I-80 in Northern Utah. I am not really sure what the signifiance is, and am really surprised there is even a Tripadvisor listing for the thing. There is no plaque, no artists signature, or anything else to explain what the are is supposed to signify. There is no place to stop and contemplate what the artwork might mean, and it seems like mother nature has taken its toll in that the structure has lost some paint & lustre. A curiosity at best.

Full disclosure: I'm not an art critic, nor do I consider myself an art aficinado or lover. I like sculpture's but not many of them evoke much in me. This one evokes bewilderment. First in it's location. Who decided that a gigantic sculpture was needed by the side of the lonely forsaken wasteland that is the salt flats? Second, what is it supposed to represent? Is it really a tree, or is it supposed to represent the loneliness one feels in this vast emptiness? Whatever it is, it is a nice marker to spot during a drive to or from another wasteland,Wendover. No reason to stop, but notice it as you drive by, and your world will be no worse (or better) for your viewing.

Interesting bit of art in a very unlikely location. Reason enough to stop and stretch your legs. NOT very safe to pull over as there is only the shoulder to park on. Interesting enough to look it up back at the hotel. Oh...don't leave the gravel walkway, the mud is very unforgiving!

As long as that monstrosity has been in existence and in place, I have had to shake my head in bewilderment, trying to figure out not only who on Earth approved such an ugly eyesore such as that but also how much we as Utah taxpayers had to pony up for that waste of materials. Additionally, in whose twisted mind was this considered art?The possible answer to that question reminds me of an episode of "Designing Women", where the girls go to a local art show. Julia Sugarbaker get sore feet, and sets her purse down on an empty pedestal in order to rub her poor tootsies. Some "art connoisseur" starts raving about how beautiful this "piece of art" is, and like mindless lemmings other clueless "art aficionados" are gushing over it, singing not only its praises but those of the unknown "artist". What a crock. There are far too many "art fans" who are merely going along with what people think they want to hear so they are not thought to be uncouth neanderthals who "just don't get it". Start thinking for yourself, people. Stop going along with the crowd and be an individual.

This is a nickname given to the tree by a co-worker who used to ride the "fun buses" to Wendover often. In reality it's just one cement tree, interesting to look at, but no decent place to pull off the freeway.

Not an advertisement, but actual art. RoadsideAmerica.com has a nice little history about it. We were going east, so couldn't get too close, but did stop to take a picture from the other side. You can also get postcards of it at the Welcome Center in Wendover (nice center by the way)

I have seen the tree almost since it was installed in 1986. I am somewhat of an art fan and love the fact that this huge piece of art is square in the middle of one of the more flat and desolate places in the United States. Recently a chain link fence was put up around the perimeter of the work so that you cannot get right next to it, which I guess is necessary but it is a sad commentary that it needed to be done. In my opinion this is not a stop to plan a trip for, but rather a great stop if you are in the area and then I would recommend stopping to get a picture!

We watched for the Tree of Utah - the Metaphor - on our trip out to the Bonneville Salt Flats because we'd read about it. It was a HUGE piece of abstract art work. You can't miss it along the main route that takes you out there! And don't worry about missing getting a pic of it - there aren't many vehicles driving out there, so you can easily pull over for a photo!

I only found out about this attraction on line but ... worth a short stop on I-80 to walk over and take a few photos.