Rachael Pease Art: Awaken

“Awaken” depicts a tree found along the rim of the Fairyland Loop Trail, standing on the edge of transformation. I imagined lightning stirring the Earth, calling it to take its first breath.

• Part of the “Revival” series. This body of work draws on memories of hiking through the ancient, surreal landscape of Bryce Canyon while I was pregnant. At the time, doctors were worried that my child wasn’t growing properly, and I was overcome with worry. But along the trail, I encountered trees thriving in the most inhospitable places. Witnessing nature’s resilience gave me hope, and I sent my own wish for new growth into the world.