This encaustic collage of two trees forming a portal was created back in early November as part of my portals and pathways series. And now two months later looking at it and finally writing about it, I am thinking is it portal or is it pathway? Maybe both.
There’s something about this image where the trees look like they are holding hands that I’ve always loved. I took the original photo about 16 years ago in Seattle and it’s appeared in several of my mixed media collages through the years.
For me, the image speaks to union. It makes me think of the Jewish weddings I have attended with the chuppah that the couple stands under. From what I’ve read, I think that the chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will build together. In the best of worlds, home is sanctuary.
The image of the two trees also looks like a portal, an entryway. A threshold, again.
If you love trees, then Herman Hesse’s essay on trees is a must read. Here is a little bit from it that I love.
Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life. – Herman Hesse