Tree of Life 

Julie Bell’s “Tree of Life” is a visual meditation in oil paints, a medium that has long been a staple in the fine arts, but here pushed to its expressive limits. Bell's use of oil paint moves far beyond traditional representation; it's about the very texture and substance of the world. The paint is applied in such a way that it seems to be alive, with thick impasto creating a tangible sense of depth and movement. The swirling brushstrokes and dripping lines aren't just descriptive; they embody the energy and chaos of life itself, blending the human form with the raw power of nature. This painting engages with a tradition of artistic practice where the material is as crucial as the image it creates. It’s a reminder that art is as much about the labor and physicality of creation as it is about intellectual concept. By embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of her medium, Bell bridges the gap between the aesthetic and the elemental.