As the holiday season faded into memory I had something very special to look forward to.
I’ve long admired the work of artist Micah Felch of Dancing Creek Studio and the trees he creates.
From his Facebook page, he shares this about his work: Micah has spent years perfecting the technique of encased metals and minerals in colorful glass. Using mixed media such as copper, silver and mica in layers of glass that embody the magical moods of nature.
Magical they are as that is how I felt the first time I saw them! I was strolling through our local Farmer’s and Artisan’s Market a few summers ago when I was pulled into Micah’s booth. I was smitten and was deeply entranced all at the same time. That day I silently wished to someday have one of his trees.
My wish came true when I received a gift certificate as a Christmas gift.
Last Saturday I made the half-hour trek to Micah’s home and studio to pick out my tree. It wasn’t easy as all the colors were so beautiful! But my eye is always drawn to blues or greens. But to choose blue or green? I vacillated back and forth in my mind and I finally chose blue.
So why am I calling it the giving tree?
Well, from the moment I first saw them, I could feel a grounding and mystical energy about them and they gave me something I couldn’t really explain in words.
Transporting my tree home I was just giddy with it sitting beside me in the passenger seat. It really felt as if it was alive. And the reality is that it is as it is made out of natural materials. Not to mention the energy of Micah that is also infused in the tree. Though I don’t know him well I sense a quiet, compassionate man who cares deeply about life.
I wasn’t sure where I was going to put it once I got home. But when I walked through the front door I knew just where it needed to go. I placed it on the corner of the half-wall that separates my kitchen and living room. I love that I can see it from both rooms.
It was around noon time when I took a photo of it that I share above. Then as dusk approached I noticed a quality to it I hadn’t seen until then. As I said, I’m always drawn to the colors blue and green and I was torn between those two colors when I looked at them at Micah’s home.
But what I noticed was that the glass leaves were iridescent and were displaying a green shade within the blue. It’s like I got two trees in one! Here is a photo of it at dusk, though the camera didn’t pick up on the green and now as I posted the photo here I’m seeing a shade of purple. Interesting!
Then the next morning when I woke and opened the bedroom door I realized it is the first thing I see. There it is dancing in all it’s magical energy enticing me and reminding me to dance through this one precious life.
Sometimes I also feel like perhaps I was a starving artist in another life because when I can support other artists now it really brings me so much happiness. I admire so much the talent of many artists!
And this is why I call it the giving tree because it continues to be such a joy to see it each morning and throughout my day.
xo,
Barbara
