If a tree fell ...?

Abstract

The work produced for this exhibition has been centered around the forest as a lyrical metaphor The sculptures are meant to be seen as human-like tree forms. It is my intention to describe whimsical characters which are based both on imagination and specific individuals in my life. It is the similarities between the human form and trees that I find most interesting. The branches of the trees relate to human appendages, the bark to the clothing that one might wear, and the color to the spirit of the individual, etc. . ... In some cases, the relationships are very evident and at other times they are less apparent or more symbolic because of the way in which they are exaggerated. The narrative aspect of the sculptures has become more and more important in my work. This is apparent in the sculptures The Weeping Tree and The Donut Tree. The Weeping Tree retains more of the human qualities of the vertical forms than does The Donut Tree. These two sculptures present the contradictions of life. The Weeping Tree has a movement which radiates from the center outward to the ground indicating the sadness and suffering that is an ingredient in life. The Donut Tree, on the other hand, has a repetitive upward movement which is intended to promote an optimistic point of view. In all of the sculptures, the connection between the ground and the figure has been de-emphasized. This transition provides an awkward visual tension which implies that this figure is either standing precariously bent on falling or it has the ability to stand firm on very little ground.