Along the Canal c. 1936

Thomas Schofield Handforth created this artwork entitled "Along the Canal," using graphite on paper. The most dominant feature is the trees. Trees, as symbols, have roots that plunge into the earth, drawing sustenance, while their branches reach skyward, aspiring to the heavens. The tree motif, central to many cultures, reminds me of the "tree of life," a symbol that appears in various mythologies from ancient Mesopotamia to Norse legends. These trees often represent the interconnectedness of all living things, bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine. In the image, the trees stand tall, their branches swaying, conveying a sense of resilience. Consider the "axis mundi," the concept of a central point connecting heaven and earth. This symbol is not linear, but cyclical; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across different historical contexts.