THE WISE OLD TREE is my book in progress. But it’s more than just a book. It’s a collection of memories and a journal of wishes. It’s a coming of age story and a template that has helped me find and make meaning in my own life. When I began this journey I was told to write the story I needed for myself to heal and that one day it may be a gift others could appreciate.

THE WISE OLD TREE is my illustrated work of art that occupies much of my imagination and creative life. It is a weaving of word and image and sound. It first took form in 2007, as my graduating thesis. What began as a synthesis for my self-directed, multidisciplinary degree morphed into a short illustrated children’s story. When the opportunity arose to publish it in 2009, I made the choice to take things in a different direction, adding depth to the storyline. With time and the birth of my daughter the story evolved to include music. When I first began this process this was my ultimate dream; to narrate and illustrate a story that could resonate within all senses and weave various creative modalities. It is an ongoing labor of love. When complete it will encompass two decades of my life. The story will fall under the genre of speculative fiction for ages 7 and up. I hope to offer it to the budding imaginations of youth. Time has given me the creative freedom to push the storyline and grow this project into what it has always esteemed to be. THE WISE OLD TREE is for me a story of connection. It’s a place I come back to again and again.

This creative project has taught me the magic of patience and the art of commitment. Culture has programmed many of us to produce and consume things quickly. This is not that kind of art. It is slow growth with deep roots. I look forward to sharing much more in due time so circle back again. Thank you to the many of you who have shown support on my creative journey thus far and who continue to encourage me well into the future.