The manzanita, a botanical marvel, served as the primary inspiration for this work. Its mature form, characterized by gnarled branches and sharp angles, evokes the complex structure of the human brain. As the tree ages, certain portions undergo senescence, bleaching white as teak. However, vital red sections continue to nourish the living branches, ensuring the tree's survival. This unique adaptation, similar to the iconic Bristlecone Pine, underscores the tree's remarkable resilience and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions
The Sky Islands' smallest raptor, the elf owl, is the spirit of the piece. Knowledge rests on the branches of the mind even as memory ages and falls/fails with age. A concept I'm familiar with as the years pass by.
Partly through the colorization process. I like to think of it as an adult coloring book I make myself.
