# Orb-Ended Topiary Installations The Optical Tree by Lisa Pettibone Distorts Its Surroundings By Meghan Young | Published 2012-08-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-tree References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/08/13/tree-of-light/) & [pettibone](http://www.pettibone.co.uk/) The Optical Tree is an adorable art installation that mimics the nature around it in a cartoonish way. Shaped like a bare-boned tree, every end of the Optical Tree's branches are topped with a glass orb, quite like the crystal balls that could be found in a fortune teller's tent. These orbs distort their forest surroundings in a visually captivating manner. Magnified, flipped over and more, viewers are given a different perspective that will have them feeling as though they just fell through a rabbit hole. Created by artist Lisa Pettibone, the Optical Tree is located in the garden at the [National Trust Property](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/this-is-air) in Lacock, Wiltshire. The 'trunk' and 'branches' of the Optical Tree have ben crafted out of tubular steel while the glass spheres are hand-blown. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 28% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Optical Distortion Installations:** Opportunities for artists to create immersive, distorted environments using optical illusions and unique materials. - **Cartoonish Nature Replicas:** Innovative ways to mimic and reinterpret the natural world using whimsical and imaginative design approaches. - **Alternative Garden Sculptures:** Potential for artists and designers to create unconventional and eye-catching sculptures that transform outdoor spaces. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Design:** Integration of optical illusions and whimsical design in art installations. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Opportunities to enhance visitor experiences by incorporating unique and immersive outdoor installations in tourist attractions. - **Architecture and Landscape Design:** Incorporation of unconventional sculptures and interactive elements to transform public spaces and gardens. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humannature-1.md) - [Blooming Clustered Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany.md) - [Orb Lighting Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mangrove-island.md) - [Illuminated Christmas Tree Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-lit-up.md) - [Tree Branch-Formed Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-attraction.md) - [Vaulted Structural Telescopic Treehouse](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artistree-home.md) - [Optical Illusion Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hooptical.md) - [Neon Illuminated Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescence.md) - [Cutout Christmas Tree Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christmas-tree-display.md)