Trees - Life and Legacy

Like many photographers, I have always found trees to be compelling subjects. But I’ve also seen them as sources of personal inspiration. More than mere form, line, and texture, they symbolize strength in solitude, value in community, and adaptability to the changing seasons of life. I am in awe at the tenacity and perseverance some display as they struggle to survive in environments so challenging that one has to ask, “How did a tree come to be there?” Like a newborn child who has no choice regarding the circumstances of their birth, a seedling cannot choose its soil. Nor can it control its environment or prevent calamity. It must adapt or die. Yet, even in death, some will leave a lasting and beautiful legacy. The dignity and grace of bare branches, toppled trunks, or exposed roots record a life's milestones. Stripped of ornamentation, the melancholy forms offer a compelling symbol, a gift of remembrance to a world that continues forward. As a metaphor, these remain and demand retrospection. As I enter the Autumn of life, their forms serve as a personal challenge. The images in this series aren’t intended as landscapes. Rather, they are intimate portraits of beloved teachers. I printed each by hand in the darkroom using a platinum/palladium process. Known for its sublime tonality and longevity, the process mirrors my reverence for these trees and for the beautiful legacy they leave behind.