Where does an artist go for inspiration? Staring at a blank canvas can sometimes overwhelm even the most creative mind. Inspiration often arrives quietly—in moments of reflection, in memories, or in the natural world around us. A walk outdoors, the play of light through trees, or the echo of a childhood feeling can spark an idea that transforms emptiness into expression.
From a young age, I have been captivated by trees—their vivid colors, gentle fragrances, and towering presence that once felt as though they reached the clouds. I remember when my father had to cut down one of our birch bark trees as it had died; I was devasted, begging him to let the tree live another day. Unfortunately, I did not get my wish, but he was kind enough to go and plant another birch bark tree. I watched the replacement tree grow to maturity and it still stands in my mother's front yard where I grew up.
I was once asked why I love trees so deeply, and the answer came to me without hesitation. I see in them a quiet strength—the ability to weather life’s storms while continuing to stand tall, resilient, and full of beauty. I love listening to the soft rustle of their leaves as the wind moves through them, as if God himself is whispering. No autumn feels complete without a visit to the orchards, gathering the season’s generous harvest.
Throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, trees are rich with symbolism and meaning. When God created Adam, He placed him near a tree, offering shade, nourishment, and protection. We are also reminded that wood from a tree once cradled the Christ Child, and that Christ later gave His life upon the wood of the cross. The tree was present at both the beginning and the end of Jesus’ earthly life—a powerful symbol of life, sacrifice, and hope.
I was fortunate in my career to travel around the globe. In every country I visited, I encountered warm, welcoming people, breathtaking landscapes, and the most extraordinary trees. From mangroves, banyans, and baobabs to ginkgo biloba and the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi; from areca palms and towering redwoods to birch bark, weeping willows, flowering crab trees, and maples. Each one unique, each one breathtaking—and each carrying stories I can only imagine they could tell.
Years later, a friend commissioned me to create a painting featuring red maples and birch bark trees. To my delight, the finished piece became a powerful reminder of my childhood, the Canadian flag, and the many military families who have served our country over decades.
May the Red Maples painting be a reminder that as the trees lift their limbs in praise to their creator; we also look upward drawing strength from God to weather the storms of life just like the trees.
The City of Quinte West proudly featured my Red Maples painting in an outdoor display cabinet along the Trent River walkway, where it could be enjoyed by both locals and visitors. While the original painting has since been sold, prints remain available.
You can purchase your print of "Red Maples" in my online art shop.