Sometimes, discovering something new fills me with excitement. During a visit to one of my wood suppliers, I came across a stunning, organic piece—a slice from the root of an olive tree. I was immediately drawn to its natural shape, rich color, and intricate grain. Inspired by its beauty, I began by making marks that highlighted the wood’s natural patterns, then layered colors to enhance its depth. Finally, I burned pigmented shellac onto the surface to create the flowing, golden accents. The result feels like a true collaboration between nature’s artistry and my own, and I love how it came to life.

26” x 20” at farthest points - Encaustic paint, oil stick, burned pigmented shellac, on olive tree root