Tree collection

“In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad”   — The book of Genesis 


This series began with a desire to explore the theme of trees within Hebrew scripture. In its structure, ancient Hebrew literature is so poetic with its repetition, parallel structure, metaphor, and alliteration. The marbles and model trees are open invitations to wonder at biblical metaphor. Held alongside scripture and painted against an ordered system of sewing pattern paper, I find the potential for symbolic representations of choice, testing, humanity, trust, abundance, sacrifice, and communion. Literary patterns and still life materials intertwine as a visual offering where the quest for wisdom in my life is held within the question of whose will must triumph. Through the unpredictable circumstances of life, I lean in to trees as a reminder of God’s gifts and provision among the daily decisions I make. I recognize each piece as a personal meditation highlighting the image of God we share and our invitation to partner with God for cultivating his love and the flourishing of his “very good”-ness in and through us.