Close your eyes. Take a moment and imagine yourself in your happiest place. Now, imagine this place with no trees. I’m sure your vision changed. I’m sure it lost a lot of its beauty, its textures, its depth and dimension. We walk past trees everyday, yet they’re something we often take for granted. We forget to appreciate them not only for their beauty, but also, for the crucial role they play in life. Life could not exist without them. They are scarce, they are sacred.

This collection grew from the inspiration of my favorite childhood book by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree. As a child, and as an adult, this book brings about emotions as it uses the personification of a tree and its relationship with a little boy. As the book starts, the boy plays among her limbs - where she enjoys seeing his happiness. As time progresses, the boy - turns man - uses her very body for his own benefit. She selflessly gives and gives without asking for anything in return. Her shade, her shelter, the ability to be carved into, her fruit, her branches, her whole body.

From this story, a sapling of an idea grew into the thought of what is often lacked today in life - appreciation and gratitude. Nature gives to us everyday, without expectation of anything in return. Many times, there is never a second thought given to the simple wonder of what trees provide for us. They breathe in our toxicity and breathe out the very essence of our existence. Our lives are tightly intertwined with trees - yet we sometimes forget to show our appreciation. This collection is inspired by their natural beauty, their textures, their imperfections, their curves and their defiance of growing through man made manifestations.