Tom Holdman’s Documentation of Humanity Show We All Are Tied Together at our Roots

It’s been dubbed one of the most magnificent stained-glass windows created in the past century and it all started with an idea formed in artist, Tom Holdman’s mind many years ago. This spectacular project became a 60,000-piece, 80 panel display called the Roots of Knowledge, which can be viewed on the western wall of the UVU library, in Orem, Utah.

As owner of Holdman Studios, Tom Holdman and his team of artists have completed projects for the Orem City Library, LDS temples, businesses and many others. However, when Tom envisioned the purpose and project of the Roots of Knowledge, it was grandiose and extreme, like a pie in the sky idea. Never just wanting to create amazing art, Tom wanted his artwork to make a difference.

Realizing that this project would be bigger than him, Tom set about researching the history of knowledge and studied about the oldest tree on earth, which lives in a harsh setting near Death Valley. His tree-themed inspiration began to spread out. Not only was Tom’s wife Gayle a major creative contributor, but also UVU President Matt Holland and art-partner Cameron Oscarson.

One thing that can’t be taken away from any of us is our education. It is awe-striking that each window in Roots can inspire and teach.  Starting the story on these glass panels is a true-to-scale portrayal of the world’s oldest tree.  Symbolizing the tree as the thumbprint of life, the roots of the Tree of Life drape around the events chronicled in the windows. The roots bind to other important trees throughout the 80 glass-art panels.

Tom hopes the stunning panels can teach us that we need to pull together through the trials of life. The windows show that we can be part of a ‘we’ generation instead of the ‘me’ generation. He hopes that the Roots of Knowledge will be accepted with the hope and love in which it was created.