Painting / Drawing > Leaning on the Tree

Where Am I From?  Where Am I Going?
Oil on canvas
24" x 36"
2009
Still On the Way
oil on canvas
24" x 24"
2009
The Gate
Oil on canvas
30" x 24"
2009
Omokage
oil on canvas
24" x 24"
2009
Omokage 2
oil on canvas
24" x 30"
2009
I Can Only Imagine
graphite on paper
19" x 24"
2010
From Memory to Memory
graphite on paper
18" x 28"
2009
Like an Unfinished Dream
graphite on paper
30" x 22"
2010
In Between
graphite on paper
30" x 22"
2011
Tree Charis
graphite on paper
29" x 16"
2010
The Recurring Image
graphite on paper
26" x 30"
2010
Untitled
graphite on paper
22" x 30"
2011
Waiting
graphite on paper
40"x 30"
2010

For this body of work, I use the subject matter, typically of a tree, to identify a sense of rootedness in place. I was attracted to the tree because no matter where I go, there are trees and they welcome me and comfort me. In my imageries, the tree can represent the understanding of my human condition or can symbolize a guidepost on the way of my spiritual journey and my physical journey. I embrace the layering of metaphorical meanings for this subject matter.

The architectures in some of my works are from places in my memories. Memories not only recall the past, but it makes me think about the present, and urges me to question the future. Overlapped with the tree imagery, I am expressing my thoughts of memories and imaginings of temporality and eternity.