SOLD:
$700
A U C T I O N C L O S E D
“UPROOTED” BY KALEN ROBLEE
Tree Ring Relief Print, Ink & Watercolour on Cotton Paper
22" x 28"
This canvas reveals its narrative with a mesmerizing tree ring relief technique. A chorus of whirling winds, masterfully captured, draws the viewer into the eye of the hurricane. Twisted roots and crashing waves beyond the storm's edge depict its ferocity. The intricate interplay of elements invites contemplation—a vivid reminder of nature's power and life's fragile resilience.
ABOUT THE WOOD:
This piece was crafted from the cross-section of a 50-year-old Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) sourced from Halifax, NS. This tree was selected for its unique traits, including leaves that "tremble" in the wind—a characteristic that felt symbolic of the ruthless force of nature this tree experienced during Hurricane Fiona. Unlike most trees, the rings of these aspen trees exhibit a more drastic transition between dense and porous textures due to their rapid growth rate in the growing season. This quality makes them ideal for the relief print technique used in this work.
KALEN ROBLEE
Kalen Roblee is a Nova Scotia-based artist specializing in hand-pressed tree ring relief prints that marry natural textures with ink and watercolor illustrations. Using sustainably sourced wood from fallen trees, her art captures the innate beauty of annual growth rings and natural structures. Kalen's work is a unique blend of art and science, deeply influenced by her advanced diploma in Forestry Fish and Wildlife Technology from the Maritime College of Forest Technology. Though formally educated in forest and wildlife technology, she has been an artist at heart her entire life. Her field experiences across Canada have not only enriched her artistic vision but also enabled her to craft scenes that are a symbiotic collaboration with nature.
Visual Artist