BANYAN TRIPTYCH: the Walking Tree: 20" high; 40" wide.

For three years (2006-08), the artist travelled and worked throughout Asia and the Pacific. She marvels at Asia’s spectacular variety, both of nature and of man-made spiritual artifacts, all peacefully and harmoniously co-existing.

The ever-spreading Banyan Tree grows throughout much of Asia. The tree and its shade are considered sacred, mostly to Buddhists but also to Hindus and even to Christians. Devotees set up shrines of varying sizes at the base of the tree and decorate the branches with wide-spreading prayer-flags. The five flag colors represent the elements and are arranged from left to right in specific order: blue, white, red, green, and then yellow. Blue symbolizes sky/space, white is air/wind, red is fire, green is water, and yellow is earth.

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Buddhists believe that the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. This piece is created from a variety of textures: silk, organza, ultrasuede, fabric paint and hand-embroidery.