The Story Behind "Tree of Peace"

"Tree of Peace" began long before it became a painting. In 2019, I met a thoughtful man named William in Indiana who bought a print of one of my tree paintings. He said he collects Tree of Life art. I mentioned to him that one day I plan to create a tree of life painting inspired by the famous live oak tree I had seen in New Orleans, but life was very busy and it was put on the back burner. Over the years, we kept in touch. He recommended The Overstory by Richard Powers and sent funny emails with tree puns. 

Fast forward to 2023 - I finally finished my New Orleans tree of life inspired painting. Since William would periodically check in with me to see if I had created the painting, he was the first person I told once it was finished. He immediately bought a print of the painting for a frame he already owned. 

I decided to title the painting, "Tree of Peace". Being in the presence of something that began living in the 1700's filled me with such awe. Imagine if it could speak, what it would tell us. My hope is that my rendering of this magnificent tree exudes the peacefulness I felt while visiting.