Artist Statement: Oak trees within the California landscape – most common of the native trees in the Bay Region and inspiration for the naming of the City of Oakland – are the subject of this print and of a thematic series of color photographs. It is my intention to evoke the sense of both the strength and the beauty these trees convey in their natural settings. I view these qualities as appropriate for display in a hospital environment, and compatible with the criteria established by the Alameda County Art Commission.

The oak’s strength is a reinforcing symbol of the hardiness that those in hospitals – patients, visiting families and friends, and care-giving staff—must often summon in the healing process. And its beauty – reflected in compositions of line, form, texture, and pattern of tree, hill, sky and sun – is a source of comfort, calmness and optimism of equal importance to the healing environment. Though oaks – like humans – can be subject to disease and misfortune, these enduring and aesthetic qualities can inspire the feelings of hope and faith that contribute to overcoming such setbacks.

This print is part of a series of oaks that is among a number of natural and scenic subjects that form an important part of my photographic portfolio.