Threads of Unity: The Woven Tree (2024)
Mixed media
40 x 30 inches

The root and rhizomatic systems are compelling metaphors frequently used to symbolize our deep connection to the earth and to each other. These systems represent the intricate networks that bind us to our imagined communities, helping nations understand and legitimize their identities. Just as roots anchor a plant to the soil, providing stability and nourishment, our connections to community, home, and identity ground us, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Rhizomatic systems, with their complex, interconnected structures, reflect the diverse and non-linear ways in which our relationships and cultural identities develop. These metaphors beautifully illustrate the interconnectedness of our social bonds, emphasizing how our individual and collective identities are woven together, much like the roots of a vast, interdependent ecosystem.

My woven tree parts—bark and branches—symbolize the interconnectedness of identities within a multicultural society. Each part maintains its distinct identity while contributing to the whole, illustrating how our individual differences come together to create a unified community. This interconnectedness emphasizes the importance of acceptance, showing that the strength and beauty of our society lie in embracing and valuing each unique contribution.