Palisades

I was moved by all the devastation of the fires in Los Angeles in January 2025.  When I purchased a bundle of Walnut, from a local wood mill that went out of business in December of 2024, I discovered much of that wood had damage that I was able to burn and actually paint flat black.  It moved me how the black contrasted with the Walnut.

The striking vertical composition crafted from the Walnut, blending organic forms with architectural elements. The piece features five elongated, flowing wooden figures rising from a base that contains small, abstract representations of houses. The forms taper upward like tree trunks or flames, suggesting growth, movement, and an upward reach—perhaps a metaphor for aspirations, guardianship, or spiritual presence.

The contrasting textures—smooth finishes alongside raw, burned voids—enhance the tactile experience and visual rhythm. The central figure contains a striking blackened area, which creates a sense of depth and mystery.

The houses at the base ground the sculpture, symbolizing community, shelter, or origin. In contrast, the towering vertical forms suggest figures watching over these homes—perhaps ancestors, spirits, or nature itself. This juxtaposition between the grounded and the ethereal evokes themes of protection, resilience, and the passage of time.