In my previous post, I reflected on the Hawthorn tree outside my childhood window, a beloved muse that has shaped much of my work. But as my artistic journey has evolved, so too has the meaning I attach to this tree. While it began as a symbol of personal memory and nostalgia, the Hawthorn has since grown into a broader representation of my environmental concerns and the importance of forest sustainability. As I’ve deepened my relationship with nature in both my life and art, I’ve come to see this tree as a reflection of our delicate ecosystem—one that requires care, attention, and stewardship.
The fragility of the Hawthorn, which blooms so beautifully each spring only to shed its petals shortly after, is a reminder of nature’s cyclical rhythms. This impermanence has inspired me to think about the wider natural world, particularly the forests that are integral to our planet’s health.
Since moving from the city to the forest, I've paid closer attention to the fleeting nature of the tree’s blossoms speaking to the urgency of our environmental challenges—how quickly beauty can be lost if we fail to protect it. Over time, I’ve started to view my work with the Hawthorn tree as a call to action, not just to capture its beauty, but to remind viewers of the importance of preserving what remains of our natural landscapes.
As my focus has shifted toward environmental themes, I’ve expanded my artistic practice to include broader landscapes, forests, and ecosystems, often using the Hawthorn tree as a central metaphor. Just as this tree remained resilient over the years, standing strong in changing weather and seasons, so too must we work to ensure the resilience of our forests. The environmental crises facing us—deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss—have deeply impacted my work. The Hawthorn has become a symbol of what we stand to lose if we don’t act to protect our planet.
One of the ways this concern has manifested in my art is through the bold and vibrant colours I use to capture the energy and life of the natural world. The brilliant pinks of the Hawthorn’s blossoms burst across the canvas, set against deep, electric greens and rich, fiery oranges that represent the earth, the roots, and the intricate web of life beneath the surface. These striking contrasts mirror the vibrancy and complexity of nature, reminding us of the powerful interplay between each tree, plant, and ecosystem. In many ways, these vibrant works reflect my growing awareness of the delicate yet dynamic balance required for environmental sustainability. The intensity of colour is a call to attention—a reminder that the beauty of our world is as bold as it is fragile.
In recent years, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of stewardship. The Hawthorn tree, once a symbol of my personal memories, has evolved into a broader representation of our responsibility to the environment. The tree, after all, does not exist in isolation—it is part of a larger ecosystem, just as we are. This realization has shifted the narrative in my work, moving from a focus on individual beauty to a broader conversation about the interconnectedness of all life on earth. The tree’s branches, once heavy with pink blossoms, now reach out as a metaphor for the web of life we must protect.
The environmental and forest sustainability concerns reflected in my recent works are also a way for me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I hope that viewers of my art will not only see the beauty of the natural world but also feel a sense of urgency in preserving it. Through the Hawthorn tree, I invite my audience to pause and consider the impact we have on the earth—both as individuals and as a collective. The tree serves as a visual reminder that we must take action, that the time to protect our forests and environment is now.
Ultimately, the evolution of the Hawthorn tree in my work mirrors my own growing awareness of environmental issues. What began as a symbol of childhood memory has transformed into a beacon of hope and responsibility, urging me to use my art to contribute to the ongoing conversation around sustainability. The tree, much like the forests I seek to protect, stands as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of the natural world. As I continue to explore these themes, I am committed to using my platform to advocate for environmental stewardship and the protection of the landscapes that inspire us all.
