2017, ink, papers, string, plastic, pencil, felt, fabric, etchings and lithographs, 88 x 19 inches.

I make a lot of different trees.  They are strong, solid, peaceful. I aspire to be like an ancient tree with my body and mind reaching up to lofty heights and my roots grounded firmly in the earth.  Trees teach us a lot of life lessons.

This tree is supporting a vine and the vine is supporting the tree. Trees are the life-giving force for lots of creatures and plants. Sometimes, these parasites destroy the tree, but sometimes, a tree might get old or be dying because of natural causes (not murdered by the vine). The vine might be so strong that it holds the tree upright.  This tree and vine is a metaphor for a lot of relationships, good and bad.