Hark! Hark! If you happen to be in Los Angeles please come see the Story Tree Exhibit at City Hall's Bridge Gallery through December 14th! This powerful and well-loved exhibit features 21 paintings by survivors of domestic violence who through the metaphor of roots, branches, limbs and leaves, tell their stories of where they came from, how they escaped, and how they are growing toward a violence free future. Both women and children who experience violence are often encouraged to stay silent about their experiences, both in their own families and in the larger community. While the public perception of domestic violence “victims” often involves misconceptions about weakness or passivity, the Story Trees tell real stories of strength, resilience, and hope, while at the same time providing a safe way for survivors of violence to bring their stories out into the open. And if you aren’t in the L.A. area, never fear… by clicking here you can view the online exhibit!
“By welcoming allies, friends and family members, we hope to affirm and support the role that each person can play in ending violence.” --AWBW Story Trees Project
Above is my 2006 Story Tree. It's 48 1/2" x 36 1/2". What can only best be appreciated in person is the way the light plays off the hidden words gessoed into the bark in Latin "Miserere mei, Deus..." (hint: Psalm 51) and a copy of my restraining order in the middle of the trunk. Some people say they see a face in the left lower corner in the air. I did not put one there intentionally. The words that I wrote to go with my tree are as follows:
OAK OF MERCY
Somewhere in the purple gloaming
In the aftermath of a violet storm
Beside the metaphor of a white picket fence
Stands the Oak of Mercy.
Acorns, children of the future
Fall not far from the unanswered questions.
“Why, Mommy?
Why can’t you forgive Daddy…
Just one more time?
How can you believe my Daddy did those things
To my sister?
Why isn’t my Daddy in jail?
Why, Mommy?”
His love letters now scars.
Hugs and kisses carved permanently over orders of restraint.
Restrained was my story.
Suppressed, questioned, even mocked was the truth.
“How does it feel?
P.S. I love you.”
The Story Trees Project was originally developed in 2005 by Los Angeles artists Cathy Salser and myself (A Window Between Worlds Executive Director and SAC Co-Coordinator respectively) during a series of hands-on art workshops which I facilitated using the image of a tree as a life symbol to describe the journey out of violence. In 2006 we further expanded this idea by including a Community Story Tree (yes, that is an online exhibit too!) in which 72 individuals from across the United States and beyond joined together to create this special tree embodying our community commitment against domestic violence.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! Don't forget to hug a tree! Except if it's one of those flowering silk trees with the thorny spikes going up the trunks. I think they'd understand. But you can still speak kindly to them in soothing tones. Just don't chew toothpicks or snap pencils and waste paper in front of them... 