Sue McMullen

Tees are an expression of the SELF. Trees with their roots in the Earth and crowns in the Heavens connect with these two planes of existence, integrating what is above with what is below. Trees also go through four Seasons. In winter, the tree is stripped bare. We all die a little. It is a metaphor for life.

I often think about the essence of trees and their way of being. Trees seem silent, strong, breathtaking, and life-giving. They shelter many other plants, their branches provide shelter for myriads of singing birds, insects, and little animals, and provide pleasure to people.

I have wanted to convey the beauty and joy in Nature, encapsulated in my different tree drawings and paintings. Trees display such warmth, tenacity, life, and peace, and as Fr Richard Rohr has said, “Love and grief go hand in hand”. Sometimes it is the deep grief we feel during the loss that awakens us to the depth and sincerity of our love. As we witness the many ways the earth has been exploited and damaged beyond repair (particularly in our lifetimes), we must grieve and commit to showing our love through conscious action.” I paint trees as a reminder to us all.