Judith Modrak, Stuyvesant Park 2026

For the last year, a colorful multi-arm sculptural being by Judith Modrak has been sitting atop a large tree stump in Stuyvesant Park, in New York City, where a 300 year old “Mother Elm” was removed. The site has become a place of remembrance to acknowledge the tree’s former life, and an opportunity for artists to site works in the park that speak to nature, what has been and what remains.

Below is an interview with Modrak by a local high school student in New York City, where the artist shares about the work and her arts practice placing her sculpture in public spaces.

Interview with Judith Modrak (JM) conducted by Jake Siegel (JS), Summer 2026

JS: What originally inspired you to create Nurturing Tree? Have any artists, writers, or experiences influenced your work?

JM: "Nurturing Tree" was inspired by Stuyvesant Park’s historic Mother Elm who was felled three years ago after a long and impactful life, touching many of those who encountered her.

As I watched this majestic 300 year old tree being cut down, I had a strong visceral reaction. I channeled my sadness into the creation of a new sculpture, which was ultimately to become "Nurturing Tree". The artwork was a way to pay homage to this incredible tree and reimagine its’ essence. At the time, I had no idea that the sculpture would spring to life in the exact location which gave birth to the creative concept — now that was a bit of a magic!

JS: Why did you choose a tree specifically as the central symbol of the artwork?

JM: The larger idea was very much about cycles of life and regeneration in all living organisms.

JS: What emotions or reactions do you hope people experience when they interact with the installation?

JM: I hope they have introspection about the role of trees and green spaces in our lives. Trees and plants quite literally give us life in the form of oxygen and food, it is only fitting that we honor them as well.

Acknowledgement that our behavior as humans toward the Earth must change.

Affection for sculpture and an awareness of how interconnected we are to our environment.

JS: How do you think your art, or public art in general, can influence the way people think about environmental issues?

JM: Many of my public artworks ("Endangered Fossils”, “Nurturing Tree”, and “Fluid Pathways”) engage people in considering the origins of our ecosystem and our symbiotic role and responsibility to that environment. I would hope that my work, and eco-art in general, foster a deeper connection to our beloved planet and a drive to find solutions to protect it and combat the climate crisis while there is still time.

JS: Were there any challenges in creating an outdoor public installation?

JM: A big consideration is the weather — the installation needs to be planned for when it’s not raining or snowing—ideally!

JS: When people see your sculptures, what is the one thing you hope stays with them afterwards?

JM: There are many ideas and feelings that I hope resonate when people view my sculptures. One important thread throughout my body of work is that art can represent a deeper truth about the world and as a result serve as a catalyst for change and reflection.

Jake Siegel is a high school senior from New York City with interests spanning the intersection of art and the environment, media, and global affairs. He is actively involved in technical theatre in school as well as Model UN, where he competes at conferences and co-leads his school’s club. Outside of school, Jake enjoys baking, running, and biking around the city.

For artists who are interested in proposing a work for Stuyvesant Square Park in New York City, the neighborhood association will be accepting proposals through October 25, 2026.

More information here