Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana)

Oak trees are a common symbol of strength and endurance. Its bark is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content; which also gives oak its characteristic dark brown color. The tannin-rich bark was used by tanners for processing leather and oak galls were used for centuries to make dark brown manuscript ink. The thick bark develops deep ridges called rhytidome, Greek for wrinkle, consisting of dead cork layers that protect the tree. All these characteristics earn the oak its reputation as a strong, enduring, and steadfast tree.

The Identitatum Arborum collection of knitting patterns was created in conjunction with an art installation made for the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich, Massachusetts in summer 2016 for the Natural Threads exhibition. In that art installation I explored the idea of identity using trees as a metaphor.

Oak Infinity Scarf was exhibited in the 2018 Utah Women Artists Exhibition in West Valley City.