Holding Hope

Trees hold the story of our changing ecology, each line etched into their bark like a chapter from a collective memory. This series is crafted from a local California Redwoods. It embodies the tree’s resilience and deep ecological history. By reducing its mass and increasing its surface, I accentuate its natural lines, then char the surface—what I call “painting with fire.” Growing up in India, fire held ritualistic meaning, but in California, it signifies climate change. Yet, Redwoods endure, often sprouting vibrant new growth amid charred forests. Their unique relationship with fire is cyclical, a testament to renewal and hope—something we need now more than ever.