I did this picture, out of an "urge", I had no general plan when I started except to have the main focus upon the Aspen tree in the center. The dual color schemes seems to go quite well with the central point of attention as well as off setting the shadows for contrast. Overall this piece took me about a week of on/off drawing. Eventually it turned into well, this... [Original given to "adopted" family.]
Interesting amalgam of style and theme, although I suppose there is more than enough room in Shintoism to include a vision of the aspen as a spirit guide.
Oddly enough, I've just finished a short paper on Steinbeck's 'To A God Unknown', which, even though it deal with an oak, is just enough synchronicity to start the day off right.
Anyway, about the piece. I believe I see another representation of duality here, possible one separating life and death, though I'm not sure if it's that concrete. Maybe not life and death, maybe more in the vein of different states of being, of which life and death could be an example, but not necessarily so. Different state of being, or different states of perception. Like the border between what is knowable and unknowable, unless there is a guide to transport us there.
I've enjoyed touring your gallery, and admire the thoughts that go into the different pieces. I especially liked the triskelion concept. It's interesting how there is a consistant thread throughout the entire body of work, not just random pieces thrown in all over the place.
Good work. Keep on keeping on.
Your welcome for the comments, and thanks for the watch.