The cellular structure of trees as seen under a microscope was the initial inspiration for the Villa Paladina mural project completed 2024. I had become rather obsessed with these images when I saw them in an article that highlighted a Smithsonian collection of photographs of a naturalist’s slide collection of tree specimens as seen under a microscope. I marveled at the lines and patterns captured on tinted slides. The vascular structure of plants, the xylem and phloem carry water and nutrients supporting the life of the plant.
Gazing at this flowing iteration of the structure of a tree inspires restorative support through intentional self-care, meditation, and physical activity. The propulsion of the resistance pool and the therapeutic jets, the steam of the hammam and the dry heat of the sauna, and restorative massage are to the spa guest what the xylem and phloem are the the tree; they bring life and revitalization.
The life-giving support represented in the mural and through the structure of all living things, echoes the mission of the Vila Paladina: Take Time To Take Care of Yourself.
Originally painted on a 5×5 (inch) wood board with oil paints, the mural, inspired by the same image, stretched nearly 8 meters, the entire length of the indoor pool, and more than 2 meters above the waterline. To infuse the spa with the feeling of the original required reimagining the scale and the palate. An exact recreation of the original was not the objective, rather the feeling of the flow of nature captured in such a way as to mesmerize and bring about meditation and relaxation.
Inspired by Science & Nature
To learn more about the original slides of tree specimens click the <Learn More> button. The slide of “Maytenus micrantha, tangential view” was the inspiration for the original 5in x 5in oil painting.