Wye Oak

On June 6, in 2002, the Wye Oak, the honorary state tree of Maryland, fell during a severe thunderstorm. It was believed to be over 460 years old and the largest White Oak in the United States measuring 31 feet 10 inches around, 96 feet high, with branches spreading over 119 feet. The state of Maryland collected the wood, and awarded it to a number of woodworkers and artists to commemorate the tree and its history. Artist Lawrence Romorini was one of the fortunate few to receive a branch from the tree.

Measuring 72″ x 38″ x 10″, the artwork Lawrence created celebrates both the grandeur of the Wye Oak and the history that has transpired since its germination. The 3-dimensional collage features a scroll as the background with an artistic rendition of the tree and its radius. 450 concentric rings offer an appreciation for the size and longevity of the massive tree. At the center of these rings in the upper left there is a single acorn, symbolizing the beginning. In the bottom right, there is again a single acorn, symbolizing the continuation of the tree through its offspring.