![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/58f3e3c3839d4bb2ad3589b0fca025ad/2928706c-ba0c-421e-b0f0-c51eb770371c_rw_1200.jpeg?h=dcac7edc93d1c03b338c61002a4213cb)
When the San Marcos Art League announced their June Perspectives on Pride show, I was inspired to make a tree themed silk painting for the exhibit.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/58f3e3c3839d4bb2ad3589b0fca025ad/33b6a9ad-bf8a-445f-ab52-cfd9b49e22e8_rw_1920.jpg?h=3f6267141e127d65d8230968e60fbc86)
The inspiration was a tree right outside my building at Texas State University. One of the things I love about working at Texas State are all of the old oaks that are honored and protected within the campus. This one has seen some weather, but has survived.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/58f3e3c3839d4bb2ad3589b0fca025ad/c9c77891-7737-4a86-9e1d-9ca171370f1e_rw_1920.jpeg?h=d46ddfcdc277fcafaaca96efd0ad0048)
I added the "crystal" shapes to suggest the waves of support that can emanate from an old, established life. My rootedness in my community not only provides a point of pride, but also nurtures the future.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/58f3e3c3839d4bb2ad3589b0fca025ad/a7dac592-26f6-4d1b-904a-b3ba517a9b66_rw_1920.jpeg?h=38d4ec38d6026fcba44f216302f9a802)
The 18x18 inch painting mounts nicely into a floating frame.