A Tree Grows In...
Julie Runyan Kokan
Marietta, GA
12"h x 12"w

 

Artist statement: Trees are the care givers of the planet. They give us oxygen to breathe. They give us wood to build and heat our homes. They give us fruit to eat and sap to put on our pancakes. Some of their gifts are at the expense of their own lives.

A young girl I know has headed back to the Philippines to take care of her dying mother. If she stayed here, she would be valedictorian of her high school graduating class, have a full scholarship to an Ivy League school, and live out the American Dream. As it is, she got on a plane last week, without knowing when or if she'll be able to come back. She went to be with her mom through her final days, and to see to her younger sister. No one knows if she will be able to get her younger sister permission to move to the United States. No one knows if she will ever be allowed to come back and live out her dreams. But taking care of her mother and loving her to the end is more important.

So this tree is for my young friend who is stronger then all of the adults in her family.