I’ve always been inspired by Alameda’s lemon trees -those generous, familiar, and abundant trees all over our island that seem to quietly give and give. They were part of the inspiration behind Alameda Fruit Co.., my community food project as the “Marmalade Mama,” where I turned local citrus into something to share and give back.

So it felt especially meaningful to paint a lemon tree for a community healing garden, for a show themed “Throwing Shade and Planting Trees for Community.” The idea of planting something that will grow, provide shade, nourish others, and continue giving long after we’re gone really resonates with me.

I work primarily in encaustic, using beeswax and damar resin, materials that literally come from nature, and I love that my work keeps bringing me back to the same themes of growth, preservation, transformation, and connection to place.

For me, this lemon tree is more than a tree. It’s a reminder that we can all plant something- an idea, a garden, a work of art, a little generosity- and hope that it gives something back to the community.