Cherry Tree

Spring in North Carolina is beautiful. While I do not believe this cherry tree is native to this area, it's still stunning.

When I’m drawing or painting something outside from life, I’m focused on the paper, the brush or the paint, and I’m also really focused on the subject. I can really see: I notice the light; I notice the color; I notice the form. In the doing, I also still my mind, allowing my other senses to engage. I hear the birds, the laughter of other people or I listen to them talking. I feel my cold skin, and smell the wind. Through art, I can really fully engage with the world around me.

By mimicking nature’s beauty and complexity through art, we can all learn to listen, to see and to understand it. Maybe by teaching us to love the natural world, art can also inspires us to help protect it. We are a time when that is more important than ever due to human-caused climate change. I hope my work inspires people to learn more and protect our world.