Stump and Ferns 

Neil Welliver's painting presents a forest scene dominated by a tree stump, teeming with ferns and moss. The stump, a symbol of both death and life, anchors the composition. Consider the "arbor vitae," the tree of life, an ancient symbol frequently depicted in tapestries and paintings. Here, the stump embodies a similar duality, now nurturing new life. The ferns, historically associated with humility and sincerity, add a layer of emotional depth. Think of the memento mori tradition, where skulls and decaying objects remind us of mortality. Welliver's stump does not convey a sense of decay but celebrates the cyclical nature of existence, a testament to life's resilience. This resonates with our subconscious, speaking to our deepest fears and hopes about time and regeneration. In this way, "Stump and Ferns" transcends its simple subject matter, engaging with the symbolic language of nature that has echoed through art history.