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All of these paintings were born of a study of a huge columnar white pine in my backyard. The painting was  titled Tempest. 

That painting inspired my series Family.

Tempest, the study I did of that tree, was done in the winter after I noticed how the needles and branches changed from summer to winter. In the summer the tree appeared full and almost fluffy, but in the winter the branches looked almost barren and the needles seemed to cling together to keep warm. 

I was struck at how the branches and needles huddled together and made themselves as small & compact as possible to protect themselves and each other from the brutality of the cold Midwest winter.

I likened this to the human family. Whether we’re biologically related or not, humanity will come together in time of need to withstand any Tempest. And while an arch is stronger than a triangle, when you combine triangular forms, they become stronger together than the arch alone. Particularly when they are interlocked. 

                                                                                                                                                                                        Rosemary Craig