Gunflint Pines, Sentinels of the Seasons

2023
12″ x 12″ x 1″ (canvas)
13.25″ x 13.25″ x 1.75″ (framed)
Status: Sold

‘Gunflint Pines, Sentinels of the Seasons’ has been selected for inclusion in the Minnesota Zoo’s Hanifl Nature Center’s inaugural art exhibit “Rooted in Nature: Inspired by Trees” celebrating the opening of the Zoo’s new TreeTop Trail and is available for viewing July 28 – December 31, 2023.

This piece was created to commemorate the iconic, towering “Gunflint Pines” that envelop and welcome visitors driving up the Gunflint Trail in Northeastern Minnesota.

Situated about 10 miles beyond Grand Marais on the 57-mile Gunflint Trail scenic byway, about where cell signals disappear, these tall, old growth native white pines signal to many the nostalgia and calming nature of entering the wilderness.

I chose to depict a single view of Gunflint Pines within four seasonal quadrants, with spring in the upper left and going clockwise to summer in the upper right, fall in the lower right, winter in the lower left and returning to spring again. Some artistic interpretation was taken by compiling views at different distances into one piece.

The subtitle of this piece, Sentinels of the Seasons, signifies how these amazing, giant white pines remain steadfast, no matter the season or the weather. They are always there to greet you, beckon all to embrace the adventures that await, and they stand guard as they protect what lies beyond.

I specifically chose a floating frame made of eastern white pine to continue to honor the Gunflint Pines subject matter.