Ring of Life

My name is Zandra Rivera, and I've recently begun to work with Simply Wood Rings as a creative support. I am inspired everyday I come into the studio and am surrounded by so much beauty and love. I wrote the following based on hearing Gustav speak on a daily basis about his feelings towards his art and nature, as well as my personal reflections amidst this Earth.

As winter slowly approaches, the leaves turn various robust colors of yellows, reds, oranges, purples and browns, die and fall to the ground. I’m reminded of the delicate but intrinsic circle of life, where birth does not exist without death. The absolute abundance of life is viable only through the continuous process of decay. Gustav tells me this is the time upon which he reflects and is always inspired to create something new from the old, continuing and adding to this never ending cycle.

To work in the artistic and family oriented environment that Gustav provides, I am able to reflect upon the way we as a society are giving way to old systems of thought regarding the Earth and respecting her fury. This process seems too slow sometimes for me; I’d like more people to get with the flow of sustainability, to plant more trees, to recycle at every opportunity available, to teach the younger generation about ecology and the importance of the green movement as early as possible. "I am reminded by my loving family that I can only do as much as I can and hope that it causes a ripple effect for generations to come," Gustav reflects.

Though, at this time I should feel the shivers of a Winter almost upon me, I am warmed by the thought of a better future for all of us. Amidst death there exists life’s delicate thread awaiting our gentle pull.

Zandra River
Creative Support