The Gift Tree of Dreams: A Christmas Tree Like No Other
Every painting has a story, a muse, and an inspiration that drives its colors, shapes, and spirit. For The Gift Tree of Dreams, it all began with a melody—Windmills of Your Mind—a tune that whisked me back to a fleeting moment from my childhood. This melody, as hauntingly beautiful as a whispered memory, instantly brought to mind an old TV commercial for Promenade Mall, a vibrant yet now defunct shopping haven on Orchard Road, now known as Paragon II.
As a child, I’d watch that commercial, mesmerized by the red ribbon twirling upward, mirroring the mall's unique architectural design. Promenade prided itself on being a mall without elevators; instead, it featured a gently spiraling walkway, inviting visitors to stroll along its pathway, uncovering treasures in every window. The commercial captured the magic of this design—a ribbon curling upward in a dance, suggesting that the journey, like a winding melody, was part of the experience.
Inspired by those fond memories, I set out to create a Christmas tree with a difference—a tree composed of dreams, gifts, and aspirations that evolve through every stage of life. In this painting, each layer tells a story. At the base are the gifts of childhood—simple, joyful things that spark curiosity. As we rise, the layers hold the gadgets and books we crave as we grow, the wisdom and moments that resonate with us later on. Each item circles upwards toward a bright star, symbolizing the ultimate gifts of time, love, and wisdom.
For me, The Gift Tree of Dreams celebrates that upward journey, much like the spiral of Promenade Mall itself, where the joy of giving and receiving transforms through the years. I hope this piece inspires viewers to reflect on the gifts they cherish, from the tangible to the timeless, and to celebrate those that matter most.
This painting captures a Christmas tree built from gifts we’ve wished for at every stage of life, spiraling up in a crescendo toward the star. 🌟 Each layer tells a story—a baby’s bundle of toys, a child’s curiosity for learning, a grown-up’s love for gadgets and books, and finally, the gifts that resonate with those further along life’s journey. Yet, as we reach higher, it’s clear: the most precious gifts are time, wisdom, and love. 💫❤️
