JUNIPER IS THE DEATH OF ME
A Reflection on the Past 18 Years
A Reflection on the Past 18 Years
Thisparticular piece is divided into four quadrants - each box represents adifferent time period of my life (roughly ages 1-12, 12-17, 17-18 and 18-thefuture, starting in the upper right corner and moving counter-clockwise).The primary motif in the piece is a contrast between the juniper tree, whichsymbolizes death in its false health (thetrees, while appearing healthy on the outside, are often completely deadwithin), lack of effort to grow tall and purposeless, mundane life; and theweeping willow, which represents life through its awareness of and response toits surroundings as well as its significant growth in the face of pain and“weeping”. This piece was born out of a contemplative period I spentconsidering the purpose of my own life, and an arising need to express my fearthat I would grow into a “juniper”, selfishly living for myself.
