The “In The Quiet Collection”: Exploring the Interconnected
If you’ve been following my work (or even if you’re brand new to it), you can safely assume that I’m fascinated by trees. Their towering presence and ever-changing beauty are usually among the first aspects we notice. But trees – just like people – have so much more going on than meets the eye.
Ephemeral, 36” x 24”
As I began this collection, I contemplated the magic that trees bring to the world, and considered the parallels to us as humans. We’re beautiful creatures on our own, each of us possessing our own life force, talents and energy – and yet, when we communicate, share one another’s burdens, and offer our gifts to one another, we’re much stronger as a group.
Towering, 30” x 40”
I painted many of these pieces in the quiet, with my phone in another room. The kids were back to school, and I savored those truly quiet moments, finding it easier to contemplate new thoughts, make fresh plans, and get those ideas down on canvas.
As I formed each tree in this collection, I thought about the on-the-surface gifts trees offer to us humans (think shade on a warm day, oxygen, and even stress reduction when we spend time in nature, etc.). But the life of a tree is much more complex. In his book, “The Hidden Life of Trees”, Peter Wohlleben writes: “...together, many trees create an ecosystem that moderates extremes of heat and cold, stores a great deal of water, and generates a great deal of humidity. And in this protected environment, trees can live to be very old.” This got me thinking of the parallels to us as humans, and how, as social beings, we care for one another through our countless gifts of time, energy, talents, resources, generous spirits – and how like trees, we’re always stronger together.
Whenever I paint trees, they start to become characters for me – personified by their shape, posture, fullness or sparseness, and vibrance of color. Like a person, an individual tree encapsulates so much more than the trunk, branches and foliage that meets the eye. As part of a forest, a single tree communicates with other trees around it through its root system, and even through the air. The larger, stronger trees support the weaker, younger trees – and together they are equipped to communicate about threats to their ecosystem.
Sunday, 12” x 12”
In creating the In The Quiet Collection, I’m exploring this concept of communication and sharing of energy and talents. Visible lines extend outward, seeming to lengthen each branch and leaf, connecting tree to tree, and extending each tree into the air above and the ground below. These lines connect the whole scene and blur the boundaries, so that each tree almost seems boundless – symbolizing that interconnectedness.
I imagine the branches and boughs as outstretched hands, offering friendship and support. These signals can be overlooked if we’re bustling around in a distracted mode, but much easier to recognize In The Quiet.
Jubilate, 12” x 12”
You, without a doubt, extend positive energy into your own network – maybe through your gifts and talents, your friendly smile, your helping hand, or simply your quiet-yet-solid presence that offers support to a friend or loved one. My hope, as you view this collection, is that you’re able to envision with gratefulness your own “forest” of people – those who shaped you into the person you are, and those who continue to support you today. And beyond that, I hope you recognize your own unique gifts that strengthen and enrich the lives of those around you.
The In The Quiet Collection is available now! You can view the collection here, and join my email list here to ensure you have early access to all future collections.