Sam Van Aken, a professor of sculpture in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University, is a contemporary artist who works beyond traditional modes of artmaking, crossing artistic genres and disciplines to develop new perspectives on such themes as agriculture, botany, climatology, memory, and the ever-increasing impact of technology.

Van Aken’s works in the natural and public realm are seen as metaphors that serve as the basis of narrative, sites of place making, collective learning, and in some cases have even become the basis of scientific research. His expertise is in sculpture and 3D arts, installation, site-specific sculpture, environmental art, public art, social practices, sound art, art theory, and professional practices.

He is well-known for his Tree of 40 Fruit, a single tree that produces 40 different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, and almonds. Created through the process of grafting, the Tree of 40 Fruit blossoms in variegated tones of pink, crimson and white in spring, and in summer bear a multitude of fruit. Primarily composed of heirloom and antique varieties, the Tree of 40 Fruit is a form of conservation, preserving stone fruit varieties that are not commercially produced or available.

Image: Tree of 40 Fruit diagram, courtesy of Sam Van Aken