Underground Symphony

24.75 x 36.63 inches

Collage with Screenprint and Linoleum Block Elements on Hanji

2023

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In 2023 I had the honor of creating art about the amazing species that are the Redwood trees! Nestled in the Bay Area, the Coastal Redwoods stand tall, an embodiment of awe. Rising to heights exceeding 300 feet, they reign as the tallest arboreal giants on our planet. They are able to sustain this astonishing height thanks to a harmonious support network in which they interlace their roots in a web of interconnectedness.  Vertically, their roots stretch a modest 10 to 13 feet, but horizontally they sprawl for 60 to 80 feet, weaving an intricate tapestry of stability and unity. 

Many intricate ecoswystems live in a single Redwood tree. A single tree can be habitat for an incredible number of species. When redwoods shed their foliage, much of it accumulates in the branches and decomposes to become soil where other species of plant seeds and fungi spores can sprout. 

Redwoods live for thousands of years, thus serving as long term storage for carbon, which is key to reducing climate change.

For this series, I created a new design of a root pattern, which was then carved into linoleum block and printed in various colors. This annual tradition of carving a new linoleum block pattern serves as a thematic thread that ties together the works of that specific year.

My patterns aren't relegated to a single year; they become timeless components in my creative toolbox. The shapes you see in this collection are a blend of both fresh, innovative forms and familiar ones from previous years. Over time, both my shapes and my patterns become a part of my library of elements that I draw upon when crafting each piece. As the years pass, this treasure trove infuses my work with diversity and depth.