“In order to move freely you must be deeply rooted.”

- Unknown Russian dancer

This quote caused me pause a few years ago. A challenge to explore the deeper meaning of being rooted. As a mighty oak tree whose roots extend wide and deep into the earth, so too we can examine how we as human beings are deeply rooted. It is a physical rootedness, an emotional belonging, a psychological place of inner contentment. The deepest realization of life is to understand one’s self: we are each rooted to our own experience. The understanding of the human condition and its limitations allow us to be more free and open, to move with grace and humility. The awareness that we do not know the answers is the beginning of this inquiry.

This understanding is internal, so place and circumstances are irrelevant. However, for me personally nature, specifically the forest, is a source of inspiration and rejuvenation. A place I feel in tune with that inner intuition. Winter especially offers respite when branches are barren and the stillness and beauty of quiet forms offer a connection to the earth. This inner intuition is an interior urging both humbling and vague; yet it provides inspiration for works of art. This sculpture captures the joy of movement afforded from deep grounded-ness.