Old man in the tree was my first attempt at a mixed media piece which incorporated organic pieces found in nature. I used a piece of driftwood found in Maine. I soaked it to remove any unwanted inhabitants and then dried it. From the moment that I found this piece, I was imagining an old man with a long flowing beard. I used epoxy clay to create his face and then added wire to simulate branches emerging from him. I created leaves, birds and other fun details to make this piece interesting and to draw the viewer closer. It is still one of my favorite pieces. It captures my love for nature and artistic expression.