SAMPLE ART Wye Oak - The Life of a Tree

A Tribute to the Wye Oak
Easternshore, Maryland
Size: 72"" x 38" x 9 1/2"

On June 6, 2006 at the planting of the Wye Oak Clone and Wye Oak Artist Exhibition in Wye Oak State Park, artist Lawrence Romorini unveiled his latest piece of art, "The Life Of A Tree," commemorating the extraordinary and beloved Wye Oak, which was felled by lightening in 2002, after approximately 450 years on the Eastern Shore in Maryland.

The art, which is 72" x 38" x 9.5" features an actual branch from the Wye Oak, mounted on a scroll with an artistic rendition of the tree and its radius. These 450 concentric rings offer an appreciation for both the remarkable size and longevity of this mighty oak.

Starting with the acorn on the upper left, miniaturized photographs, memorabilia and three-dimensional symbols serve as some reminders of the long history that transpired for the nation and Maryland during the 450+ years that the Wye Oak lived on the Eastern Shore. This artistic chronology ends at the bottom right with an acorn, symbolizing "The Life of A Tree" that carries on into the future.

See the Collage on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.