The Beauty of a Maple Tree

16” x 20” x 4”

Mixed Media

In Collaboration with Tony Johnson, Forestry Extension Educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

This project was designed to represent the process of maple syrup production in an engaging, simplified form. Living in Wisconsin provides an ideal climate for syrup production, as seasonal temperature fluctuations draw water into maple trees, resulting in sap flow. This sap is then collected and heated, allowing the water to evaporate and leaving behind a rich, caramel-colored syrup.

My objective was to reflect this transformation within the artwork through the use of an ombré effect. The lighter tones symbolize the raw sap, which is primarily composed of water, while the darker tones represent the finished syrup that is created once the water has evaporated. The piece is enclosed in a maple wood frame, reinforcing the concept and providing a cohesive narrative for the project.