Shagbark 7

My back yard is dominated by four huge shagbark hickory trees, which shed not only branches but also long strips of their gnarly bark. I marvel at their continual renewal and change. Beautiful cinnamon-red inner bark contrasts with a dusting of snow and the earthy colors of the peeling bark. The trees are just as alive in their winter sleep as they will be in their coming canopy of green. Spending long hours on this artwork in my brightly-lit studio while darkness pressed against the windows, reminded me to accept and celebrate the beauty of change.