Tree of fire

A meditation on balance, tenacity, and a place that no longer exists.

 
Tree of Fire is a fine art photograph for sale by Jason Matias of a Japanese Maple Tree full with vibrant autumn colors. The Japanese maple hovers over a pond and the red-orange of the leaves is reflected in the water. This is another piece added to…

a note from the artist

** The Tree of Fire was destroyed in a storm in the winter of 2017.

Tucked away in Seattle’s Kubota Garden, the Tree of Fire was difficult to find. I spent long moments alone with it, drawn to its tenacity and its single-minded devotion to growing in one direction for decades—maintaining a delicate balance as it reached over the pond toward the sun.

Following the sweeping lines of its branches feels like moving through a labyrinth with your eyes. It becomes a moving meditation. This is why these trees are so compelling—not for their color alone, but for the stillness and attention they invite.

Like everything else in this collection, the Tree of Fire is gone. A winter storm brought down a much larger tree, leaving the site completely unrecognizable. What remains is this record of balance, persistence, and a moment that no longer exists.


 
 


“Beautiful Things That Are Gone”

In 2018 I gave a TED Talk about this Tree and three other photographs of places that were destroyed. Please enjoy that talk below. The story of the Tree of Fire is the third that I share.

 

< tap to expand the details >


 
 
 

Each print preserves a moment of balance and persistence—an invitation to live with a place that no longer exists.

 

Still considering tree of fire?

I’m happy to mock it up in your space so you can see the scale before deciding!

Most collectors revisit a piece several times before acquiring it or need to see a mock-up while considering size. If that’s you, send me a message on FB Messenger or text me at 808.321.8643

You can also use the form button below and I’ll reach out to you.

 
  • Lumachrome - the paper that brings the art to life. It brings unbelievable clarity, vibrancy, and resolution to photographic art. This paper is the collision of printing technology and advancements in paper construction.

    If you decide to collect the art without the protection of the acrylic, please handle it with care until you have it safely framed.

    CHARACTERISTICS:

    • Brilliant Colors Lasting Over 120Yrs

    • Superior Gamut vs Traditional Fujiflex Prints

    • Incredible 3D Depth & Dimensionality

    • Unsurpassed Detail & Ability to Hold Highlights

    • Superior Shadow Luminosity & Detail

    • Radiant Glowing Response Under Halogen Lighting

  • Acrylic Mount: The art is produced on Lumachrom paper, then face-mounted to museum-grade acrylic that is both archival and protects the art from UV light.

    *You can upgrade the acrylic to prevent reflections, too.

    You can collect the PRINT ONLY and have it framed yourself.

    or

    You can collect with the acrylic already mounted and a recessed frame attaced to the back so that you can hang the art in a modern, minimalistic fashion

  • You can collect my art with Pay-in-4, and up to Pay-in-36 using Affirm and Klarna

    No Fees and No Interest on some payment plans. Easy application.

  • Is the edition signed and numbered?

    I use a tamper-proof, holographic pair of seals to certify the art with the Certificate of Authenticity.

    I don’t typically sign the front of the art because I feel it interrupts the flow of the piece.

    How long does shipping take?

    Production and deliver take about 30 days.

    Adding framing doesn’t normally affect shipping time, unless the frame is out of stock or must be shipped from abroad.

    What if the art arrives damaged?

    All my work is fully insured during transport. You will have 48 hours to report any damage during shipping.

    Return Policy

    Since I began my career in 2012, I’ve never had a return.

    Technically, all sales are final but I will do my best to ensure you are happy with your acquisition.

Tree of Fire
from $4,700.00

[Edition of 50, 60% sold out]

To Collect:

  1. First, choose the size you’d like. If you’d like help choosing a size, use the form to reach out or simply text me at 808.321.8643

  2. Then, fill out shipping and contact info. Done!

Standard 33×48 - $4,800
Large 42x60 - $7,500
Signature 52×72 - $10,500 (most popular)
Grand 58×84 - $14,500

Shipping, mounting to acrylic, and a recessed frame are included in the price. Your art will come ready to hang, it’s not as heavy as it looks, and installation is simple

From ~ $150/month with Affirm - no credit check to apply. Options shown at checkout.

 
 
 

INTERESTED IN FRAMING YOUR ART?

A frame on your artwork can be the bridge between what moves you as a collector and the space where your art lives. Your art includes a recessed frame and all mounting hardware. However, I have a wealth of knowledge about framing and can find the perfect frame for you if you’d like your presentation to include one. 

There is a HUGE world of frame options available. I typically frame with Roma moulding and Larsen Juhl. My lab will take care of framing for you, so you don’t have to stress about anything aside from putting the art on your walls once you receive it. If you would like to discuss framing your artwork, write me via the form below or text me at 808.321.8643

 
 

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7 questions that allow me to dig through my portfolio to find you a handful of artworks that match your aesthetic and your interior design goals.