In a world that is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, I believe that Spirit is the ground of all being, the foundation from which all form arises. I tap into my own understanding of that ground when doing my collage paintings, trying to express the essense of things as I experience them. The Jewel Tree sculptures were inspired by a workshop with my teacher Isa Gucciard, Ph.d. and through Robert Thurman’s book "The Jewel Tree of Tibet." Each Jewel tree is a meditation to a magnificent and magical tree that grows spontaneously from a crystal clear lake, high in the mountains. On this very personal tree sits every teacher, every benevolent, angelic and mythical figure, every hero, every ancestor, every aspect of God that has ever looked upon you, loved you, taught you and wished you well. They smile upon you and send rays of wisdom, compassion and strength through the jewels that each wise being holds in their heart, body and mind. They transmit their energy to your heart, body and mind as you gaze upon them. They are so glad that you have come and what they radiate to you, you in turn radiate to all who come in contact with you. I try to transmit this through every little tree I create.