My SILVI-(UN)CULTURED series is inspired by river landscapes, forests, and trees. I paint what grounds us. I consider our roots, growth and outreach. People’s lives intertwine and branch out, mimicking what is seen in nature; life, hope, development, dormancy, and death. A fresh perspective can increase understanding, compassion, or renew respect for our world. When I see twisted branches and roots, I cannot help but think of the shelter provided in their tangled embrace. I appreciate support systems that develop and interconnect. In life, we can encounter something that trips us up. Looking back and seeing the whole picture, our tangled lives are often messy, but beautiful.
Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands for society, wildlife, and wood production on a sustainable basis. It is humans making decisions about nature. My series SILVI-(UN)CULTURED celebrates the beauty of the wild.