“There is unrest in the forest, there is trouble with the trees…” – Rush
The inspiration behind this artwork emerged from the simplest of natural wonders – a tree. In nature, a tree’s formidable strength is rooted in its trunk, and I chose to emphasize this in the composition. The trunk, a central element of the piece, consists of a significant portion of the threads. I often advise my students to find a tree, gaze upon its bark, and truly see what’s there, much as I’ve done countless times. At first glance, many might perceive only shades of brown, but upon closer and more prolonged inspection, a myriad of colors and textures reveal themselves.
Much like the way leaves in a tree quiver and rustle in the breeze, the artwork’s branches dance with a rich tapestry of colors. Warm hues suggest the presence of fruits or blossoms. Just above the vibrant green foliage, a band of orange alludes to the moments of sunrise or sunset, akin to how a tree provides shelter while drawing strength from the sun.
Above, a sky of light blue imbued with delicate streaks of white seamlessly completes the intricate composition of threads.
Within the same medium, I meticulously crafted a series of leaves to form the background or underlying layer of the artwork. The colors of these leaves are thoughtfully arranged in a radial pattern, symbolizing the changing of seasons and the perpetual cycle of life.
Creating this piece was a laborious yet rewarding endeavor. Layer by layer, a blend of paint and adhesive was applied, totaling an impressive 98 layers in all. Each layer required an entire day to dry sufficiently before the next could be added. This work represents the thickest and most robust piece I’ve ever produced, a fitting tribute to the enduring strength and resilience of the trees that served as my muse.
DAMON WIGGINS 