Elizabeth Sheats

Artist Statement

I started painting tree tunnels just before Hurricane Florence hit my town of Wilmington NC in September of 2018. When I returned from the 10-day evacuation, I found the tree canopy in tatters and heaps of trees and debris lining the streets. Many parts of my neighborhood will never look the same, but the live oak tunnels bounced back. They are the most resilient trees in our area. They are a symbol to me of strength and endurance through life’s storms.

Alleys of live oaks that were planted a century ago are breathtakingly beautiful. They often form natural shadowy tunnels with a light at the end. This has been a beacon of hope for me during trials. I look for tree canopies throughout the Wilmington area, and often paint them when I find them. Over the years, I realized that the tree canopy series was evolving into paintings that have a strong Christian message. They give hope and encourage the viewer to seek the light (Christ) during rocky or rough roads in their life. These paintings have served to provide hope to many during tough times.