Trees of Life

"And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:9)


This week I asked the women to draw, paint, or color 'Trees of Life'


Each woman explained her tree to symbolize where she was in her life/recovery.

This tree represents, new life, overcoming past. Note the artist drew a heart of varying colors to the right of the tree, rather than illustrating an engraving on the tree. Also note that instead of initials the heart is split into two colors:purple: the color of royalty and blue: the color of hope, new beginnings, water, and life. 

The artist of this beautiful "klimt"-like tree had to leave early, and was unable to speak about her creative choices.

The artist of this tree explained the simplicity of the tree to be her "fresh", "clean", new start at life. This particular woman has been in prison for a long period of time prior to her release, just recently. She described the tear drop shaped dark spot at the center of the trunk to symbolize her past, the dark places she once lived in. She stated that they will always be the 'heart' of who she is, but that she is overcoming that life in exchange for a new life, a better life. She remarked that the picture was a remarkable resemblance to that of a female figure. 

This tree is mine. Although, it looks more like an evening tree, or a tree of sadness than a tree of life, I enjoyed coloring it. And, it reminds me of a tree at dusk in Autumn. The colors remind me of the relaxing cool breeze that accompanies such a sight. In these quaint moments, I feel more alive, and grateful for it, than ever!