In the quiet depths of the forest, where trees stand tall and rooted in the earth, Terrel Jones finds a reflection of herself. As an artist with a profound connection to the natural world, she doesn’t just paint trees, she brings them to life. Terrel’s love for trees is more than a visual appreciation; it’s an emotional bond; woven into every brushstroke and every piece she creates.
Raised along the western coast of Washington and the forests of Montana, Terrel's childhood was spent immersing himself in the beauty and serenity of nature. The outdoors became her canvas long before she picked up a paintbrush, and those formative experiences continue to influence her art. Her “Timeless Trees” collection captures more than the outward beauty of trees—it peels back their layers to reveal their soul. Terrel's art delves into the textures of bark, the intricate patterns of roots, and the life-giving energy coursing through the tree’s phloem, connecting us to nature in a way few artists can.
But the connection doesn’t stop there. Trees led Terrel to another important relationship in her life—her husband, Ken Stephens, a forester. Ken’s knowledge and insight into forestry have been invaluable in shaping her art. He’s a muse and collaborator, giving her the tools and inspiration to push her artistic boundaries. His understanding of the forest's intricate ecosystems opened her eyes to new ways of seeing and expressing nature in her work.
Her work doesn’t just entice you to look at a tree—it invites you to feel it. She describes her paintings as a direct reflection of her own experiences with trees: a source of security, peace, and stability. And just like how trees connect with the earth, Terrel’s art draws a line between nature and humanity, showing us how intertwined we truly are with the natural world.
Terrel’s “Timeless Trees” collection even takes us inside the tree.-Through abstract interpretations of this cellular design, Terrel is bringing together the organic and the human-made, blending the natural world with her artistic expression. Incorporating real materials from the forest into her art, Terrel uses wood panels and cedar tree rounds, which her husband kindly prepares for her, giving her pieces a grounded authenticity. In one of her pieces, Terrel explores the phloem—the tissue that transports nutrients through the tree. "I stumbled upon images of phloem sections while researching forestry and was drawn to their organic patterns, which to me looked like fabric," she explains. "The textures and colors became a focal point in my work, where I could combine natural forms with human-made expressions."
Recent studies have shown that nature and art can significantly improve mental and emotional health. A 2019 report by the American Journal of Public Health found that art, when combined with time spent in nature, helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The sight and feel of trees, as seen through Terrel’s work, offer a restorative experience for viewers, connecting them to nature in a way that rejuvenates the mind and spirit.
Nature’s beauty, as embodied in Terrel’s artwork, is not just about the external beauty of trees; it’s about the internal impact they have on our lives. Art and nature collide in a way that nurtures both the soul and the environment, highlighting the importance of conservation, clean air, healthy soil, and the vital role trees play in sustaining our planet.
Through her work, Terrel Jones doesn’t just paint trees, she breathes life into them, reminding us all of the crucial link between nature, art, and humanity. Her work resonates with #forestproud’s mission, illustrating how forests shape not just the environment but the emotional and psychological landscapes of those who connect with them.
So, if you’re looking for a reminder of why we all feel so drawn to trees and nature, Terrel’s art will hit you right in the feels. Her work is a beautiful representation of how trees give us more than just oxygen—they offer us emotional grounding, too.
Want to hear Terrel’s thoughts directly? Explore her world of “Timeless Trees” via her website and check out her podcast interview with Voice of the Wild Earth Podcast on Spokane Public Radio, where she dives into how trees shape both her art and her life. Check out the podcast here! (Interview starts at 3:15 timestamp) Source: The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature | AJPH | Vol. 100 Issue 2