A year of pictures

2021 - 2022 // Park Rapids, MN



A Series of images of an oak tree


There are few symbols as pervasive across different religions, philosophies, and mythologies as the tree. For thousands of years, all around the world, trees have been seen as the embodiment of holiness, knowledge, and interconnectedness; above all, they have been seen as symbols of life, growth, and rebirth. In the ancient Celtic tradition, trees were understood to be both gateways to the spiritual world and forces of harmony in the natural world, with the branches and roots often depicted as interlacing to represent the cycle of life. The many worlds of Norse mythology are connected by a massive tree that is the very center of the cosmos; and in the pagan traditions of Central Europe, trees were even holier than temples, and were the sites of sacred cult practices and rituals. In Islam, the tree is not only a spiritual concept but also an architectural motif, with trees appearing as a pattern on the walls of mosques as a representation of the potential for spiritual growth through prayer; while in Judaism, the tree of life is often used as a metaphor to describe the Torah itself.



Majestic cottonwood tree with sunlit spring foliage standing alone in grassy field.
Bare tree branches silhouetted against vibrant purple and red sunset creating dramatic winter scenery.
Mature tree with intricate branch structure displaying early spring foliage against blue sky.
Silhouette of a bare tree against a purple and orange sunset sky.
Snow-covered branches of a large bare tree in winter against a gray sky.
Majestic tree silhouette against purple and orange sunset sky with intricate bare branches creating dramatic contrast.
Massive bare tree with textured bark stands tall against winter sky with snow on ground.
Towering cottonwood tree with golden autumn foliage glowing in late afternoon sunlight.
Large tree with reddish branches illuminated by sunrise light against grey winter sky.
Dark silhouette of leafless tree branches against dusky purple evening sky.
Ancient tree with deeply textured bark photographed in winter with snow-covered ground.
Large deciduous tree silhouetted against warm dusk sky showing detailed branching structure.