In the Kabbalistic Tree of Life diagram, a Jewish mystical system of mysterious origin, Beauty is placed at the center of those virtues from which the universe arises. Please look up the diagram to explore more deeply the symbols I have chosen as interpretations.

The figure is taken from a news story. I knew when I saw the image of this woman, a protestor from a Supreme Court nomination, I wanted to honor her rage as a form of complex beauty and harken back to Munch’s work The Scream. The existential feelings of that time can be contrasted by our own, and made distinct through the clarity of her righteous presence.

It also occurred to me that the Tree of Life could reflect the development of an artist.

First the artist is born to the world.

Then, the artist perceives an underlying order.

From there the artist splits into Time and Space, looking at eternity on one hand, and life on the other.

To sustain the journey, the artist then lights a fire in their heart that can burn, comfort, wax and wane.

This is a practice precise as the orchestration of the planets.

To initiate contact, the artist must become a philosopher and learn to differentiate between logic and wisdom.

Once this occurs, beauty is made possible whenever the light of inspiration comes from above.

By placing a screaming woman at the center I am telling you that a woman’s outrage inspired me to be a better artist.