Tree of life – Exploring essence and symbolism

Trees in the work of Katarina Vidmar

The Tree of Life illustrates the idea of a living cosmos in constant renewal. The tree, as a symbol of life in constant evolution, includes all the symbolism of the vertical and cyclical.
The tree is the universal symbol of the relationship between heaven and earth, between idea and matter. The roots penetrate the earth, the branches rise up to the sky, the flow of ideas and their manifestations takes place through the trunk, which connects the two spheres. All four elements are united in the tree: water flows through the branches, the earth joins with the roots, air nourishes the leaves, fire glows when they tremble. Is there anything more perfect? But that’s how humans are “built”, isn’t it? With feet to the ground, hands to the sky, a torso in between and a head on top with countless afterthoughts waiting for the right moment to be realised. The tree/man, then, as a symbol, is also a tool for understanding both creation and creation itself.

It has been worshipped in all mythological and religious representations. It points along its axis to the centre of the world, but it is also the link between different worlds and states of consciousness. It is therefore also known as the cosmic tree, the tree of life, the tree of fertility, the Christmas tree, the shamanic tree, the mystical tree or the tree of knowledge. We know well that the apple that Adam and Eve picked and ate from the tree of knowledge gave birth to the whole Christian demagogy of sin, guilt and penance. That is why the tree can restimulate deep collective trauma and arouse irrational resistance in the individual. But someone who has been bypassed by a strict religious upbringing can be relaxed and joyful around a tree. There are also those who do not think or feel anything around it.
And if the tree is in our house or in the hallway of our office, a renewal of our intimate or business life is certainly in play. Let us think about what a tree, several trees, a type of tree means to us… The apple is a folk symbol of happiness, youth, health, beauty and magic. Bamboo represents the free spirit, regeneration and flexibility. The lime tree represents tolerance and patience, lightness of spirit and words. Birch encourages new beginnings, cleanses the past and evokes visions. Cedar cleanses the past, heals and protects. Cherry symbolises good luck, new romance, love or affection. Cypress teaches us what sacrifice means. Hazel represents secret knowledge, the ability to predict the future. Maple blesses and balances. The oak, considered the strongest of trees, is a symbol of courage and strength. The olive tree eliminates tensions in relationships, bringing victory and peace. Willow fulfils the desires of the heart, giving insights into past experiences. The ash tree symbolises sensitivity and higher awareness.

While folk interpretations of trees can be helpful, when choosing the tree that will henceforth be our silent and mighty roommate or collaborator, it is best to awaken our own intuition; what we have read will be rather a barrier. We can also leave the choice to Katarina, because sooner or later, in her creative impulse, a tree will appear that wants to take up residence in our house. The tree that Katarina brings to our walls with creative intent looks at first like a mural. Its essence (that necessary or desired supportive energy), which is stored in the intention, must be activated by each of us individually. The activation of the intention happens instantly, unexpectedly, and suddenly we notice that there is something more than just a painting. Each of us knows what this more is. It can be a feeling of heightened aliveness, inspiration, anything… I recently read somewhere “open a book and the book will open you”. It’s the same with a tree. If you settle for aesthetics, then a tree will work on that level. If you are looking for a deeper meaning, you will find it.

As Katarina reiterates over and over again, it is a property of a vital space to regenerate itself energetically. For an idea to become a reality, there must be a clear intention on the one hand and a willingness to activate it on the other. That is when art happens. And then life begins. The seed sprouts and grows into an upright tree. The old is transformed into the new and the possibility of the life force is opened wide.


Article written by:
Sonja Dular

Ljubljana, 2 March 2014

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Katarina Vidmar - Watercolor art

About Me

Artist from Slovenia with a world-wide reputation, celebrated for my captivating watercolor and acrylic paintings. My works traverse boundaries, offering glimpses into the beauty of nature and the mystical.