STUDENT AWARDED UDALL SCHOLARSHIP
Mary Miller, 22, was inspired by total eclipse
Cobin Willie, a member of the Navajo Nation from To’hajiilee, was chosen from among 437 applicants from 209 schools.
LAS VEGAS, N.M. — An 11-foottall steel tree sculpture depicting the total solar eclipse of 2018 is planted firmly in the earth in front of New Mexico Highlands’ Burris Hall, thanks to a donation from a fine arts student.
The university’s Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve Mary’s Miller’s Celestial Tree sculpture installation in front of the fine arts building.
“Trees are used as a symbol that connects us to the sky as they grow taller,” said Miller, a fine arts senior. “Celestial Tree is a tree of life in a cosmic form, but the tree is also a symbol of being grounded to earth. The sculpture represents the connection between the universe and the earth.”
Miller said when she witnessed the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2018, it was a powerful reminder that humans are small and are part of something much grander in the universe.
The 22-year-old from Las Vegas created the sculpture in the university’s fine arts foundry. It was fabricated through a combination of forging, torch cutting and welding steel.
“There’s a central steel pipe in my sculpture that’s the trunk of the tree. There are 10 steel circles I torch cut, and painted blue and orange for a cosmic look. I forged hooks to hang the circles from the tree, which is stationary. With sculpture, I love the multidimensional thinking that is used to create pieces,” Miller said.
Miller said she’s interested in her nature and environment-themed art being accessible to the public.
“I also wanted to give back to New Mexico Highlands to show my appreciation for my professors, friends, and wonderful family who have been a huge support along the way. … It’s a big honor to have my sculpture installed in front of Burris Hall,” Miller said.