Becoming a Tree Community Project
Deanne Alex Gilmore Gallery Installation view 
Detail of community photos, tree paintings and photo prints Susan Smolinsky Noctis Olive Cheney 
Mirek and Colby, Peacham Elementary School Maya and Willoughby, Peacham Elementary School Osman Ercin on Old Cemetery Road 
Becoming a Tree No.1, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 14in, 2014 
Self-Portrait as a Tree No. 1, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2014 Self-Portrait as a Tree No. 3, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2014 
Becoming a Tree No.4, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 11in, 2015 Self-Portrait as a Tree No.4, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2015 
Becoming a Tree No.5, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 14in, 2015 
Self-Portrait as a Tree No.6, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2015 
Becoming a Tree No.7, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 14in, 2016 
Becoming a Becoming a Tree No.8, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 14in, 2015 Self-Portrait as a Tree No.8, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2015 
Becoming a Becoming a Tree No.9, Oil on canvas, 8.5in x 14in, 2016 Self-Portrait as a Tree No.10, Photoprint, 8in x 10in, 2016
Becoming a Tree Community Project is an installation of ten small oil paintings with paired self-portrait photo-prints, a tree chair sculpture, and selfies with trees by Peacham Vermont residents, friends, school children and seniors. My original works and the community contributed photos spread across the gallery walls, changing and increasing daily for the run of the show.
Becoming a Tree began as a solo project about aging and transformation. It turned into a joyful celebration of life, and the people and forests that surround my town and beyond.