Golden Tree

This painting is a deeply personal exploration of connection and belonging. Born under the Metal element, I’ve always felt a pull towards the lush embrace of the forest, a fascination ignited by the Wood Dragon, the element of my birth year. Though not my own, this element resonates within me, a silent whisper of kinship with the natural world.

This piece envisions a meeting within the heart of an ancient forest: the Dragon’s powerful presence alongside the elegant peacock, the vehicle of Maharathari, one of Kabil Maha Brahma’s seven daughters who descends each year to watch over our Earth. A golden tree stands as a central beacon, a symbol of the invaluable worth of the forest to our planet.

The Year of the Wood Dragon, also known as the Year of the Naga, holds profound significance in Khmer tradition. The Dragon, a symbol of strength, nobility, and success, is typically associated with Earth. Yet, in 2024, the Wood element takes precedence, creating a harmonious blend reflected in the year’s lucky colors: gold, yellow, and green. This painting is an homage to this powerful convergence, a visual representation of my own deep connection to the enduring spirit of the Wood Dragon and the life-giving force of the forest.

For my ancestors, belief was a vibrant force, a path to inner peace and spiritual strength. It was a recognition of nature’s profound power—life-giving rain, the celestial dance, forces that both nurtured and devastated. This yantra is a testament to that enduring belief, a tangible link to a heritage that continues to inspire.