knotty trees

“knotty trees” is a sketchbook project created in 2020.

an honest diary of marriage with a lover and a friend.

Throughout the creation of “Canopies,” I learned that trees tend to respect the space of other trees. Therefore, when I noticed again and again how magnolias often rested in arms of ancient live oaks, it caught my attention. I was delighted to discover the two species could not be more different, yet they so often live in a beautiful marriage with one another. Everything about them is different: the bark, foliage, growth patterns, and cycles.

I started to notice the traits in each of them mirrored my own relationship with my husband. He, steadfast, rooted, a protector. Me, expressive, emotional, reaching. The acorn and the magnolia blossom. Different, yet harmonious… And a little knotty at times.