 Tree of Life, from Fire, version 1, oil on paper, monotype, 24 by 37 cm, 2018.  Tree of Life, version 2, oil on canvasboard, 18 by 24 cm, 2024. "Now grow hands, legs and feet and a head to all of this, the heart is already there.” Tree of Life from Fire (monotype):
"As without, so within, as above, so below, as the universe, so the soul." It feels like we are living through a burning phase — old patterns and constructs reduced to ash. Systems like white patriarchy, capitalism, and imperialism are being challenged, unraveling, erupting. From an alchemical perspective — as interpreted by Jung — if we tend to this fire consciously, adding spiritual presence, earth connection, and attention to the inner life (instead of hubris, manipulation, or the objectification of others), then something new can be born from the fire’s white ash. In this moment, in my own personal Splendor Solis, I ask:
Tree of Life (Torso painting): The torso in the torso painting is sprouting roots, seated on the old tree stump like it’s both emerging from and becoming the Tree of Life — braiding the body with the Earth. The roots as tendrils of memory, of pain maybe, but also reaching down for strength. It represents regrowth, rebirth, regeneration — the absence of a head makes the heart, belly, and earth-connection even louder. Like she’s listening inwardly, downward. A torso grows from an ancient tree stump. A reminder that rebirth begins not at the top, but deep in the dirt, where roots twist and ache and grow. Archiving my work, I saw this painting again and finally knew how to title this: she is a Tree of Life. She also represents my memories, and pain, and regeneration. She is the feminine missing in the world — and in me. And from her, everything braids outward. "Now grow hands, legs, feet, and a head to all of this. The heart is already there." Comments are closed.
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