This work is an homage to the tree that once stood here, part of an investigation into the question of mankind's control of nature, and of forests and trees in particular. For centuries, humans have played a dual role as both protectors and destroyers of forests, whether we’ve constructed housing developments, designated national parks, regulated the use of state and federal forests, or even designed parks such as Carkeek for public use.

The tree in question here was felled for reasons unknown, then left in place for us to sit on and admire the beautiful view from. Like Gulliver in Jonathan Swift’s famous satire, I’ve roped the tree down with common construction materials: wire rope, cables, stakes and mason twine– playing with the idea that we believe we fully control nature, even as the opposite is increasingly being proven true.