SeaTree

I have always been fascinated with time and trees.  How you never see them growing, but time does.  I wonder what a tree would look like outside of the dimension of time.  How do you sum up a tree, from seed to rotting log?  What would that look like?  This is the basis to a lot of my art.  I want to capture that lifespan in a single image, as if it were a specimen unfurling on a slide. 

This is a green ballpoint pen sketch that has been inverted.  I am experimenting with achieving this look organically with linoleum cuts and scratch board.

Here is one that is more portrait-like.  Red+blue ballpoint pen sketch that has been inverted. 

 

 

 

I wonder what shapes my branches would hold were I a tree, and someone did my portrait.  If my whole life was summed up by one outline, what markings would be in the bark, how sturdy would the trunk be?  How tangled would my arms be?  Would I block the sun and choke the life out of those who grew by me, or would I help create a lush forest?  How much ivy would be clinging to my branches, tugging me down?

I don't think my tree would be portrait worthy right now.  It's black with soot, and the earth is scorched all 'round.

  Time will tell how the forest grows after a fire.