Tree of Life — Ro Mottsmith Art

Tree of (Sacramento Valley Avian) Life

2025 • Cut Paper • 25 individual 12”x12” pieces forming one 8’x8’ tree • each piece is made of 10-14 layers of cut paper

This piece feels to me like a representation of the blending of two cultures in a very personal way. The tree of life concept, with its round flowers with geometric details and stylized leaves, comes from a Mexican folk art ceramic sculpture tradition, and in many ways feels tied to my mom and her side of the family. Instead of filling the tree with various creatures, I chose to depict only birds, honoring the tradition of bird watching I’ve inherited from my dad. The birds themselves are all species that would be found in the Sacramento Valley, where my parents got together and decided to start their family.

take a closer look at all of the species…

each feels special to me as someone who grew up in Yolo County - these are the everyday birds that so often go under appreciated but that make this place feel like home.

red breasted nuthatch and yellow rumped warbler