During an artist residency in a nature reserve in Andalucia, Spain, Femke was
captivated by the old cork oaks that stood there. Each tree showed traces
of severe weather conditions and the time they had endured. Tasks had broken
off, cavities had formed, the bark had crumbled, and yet they had grown
mightily. Each in their own tortuous, crooked, and impressive way, they showed
resilience and growth. Those trees are a beautiful metaphor for life. Growth is
accompanied by pain, because of the setbacks and difficulties we encounter,
because of events we continue to grow, every human being in all kinds of phases
of sticking. Mental and physical growth is accompanied by pain and struggle,
and ultimately makes us wiser, more beautiful and powerful. Femke has experienced this herself, seen in her own growing children and loved ones around her.