Tropical Zen - Kimberlee Knoebel I am a Florida local, raised in Orlando, and the art that I make reflects my love for the flora that abound here. Queen Palms have always been abundant in Florida, and growing up among their beauty has been an inspiration for me. The seed pod of the Queen Palm is sculptural and organic, undulating and rich in texture. They have drawn me in since I was a child, when my father hung a pod on our living room wall. That piece of natural sculpture spoke to me then and continues to this day. From the burst pods, I make Table Vessels and Wall Sconces, which are artistic, useable art for everyone. Each piece is unique; a joy for me to create because every piece has it's own vibe, and I try inherently to listen. The pieces are gathered, cleaned and sanded, then finished with eco-friendly, waterborne stains and mineral oil, which is natural and food-safe. These pods are a truly "green" product - recycled materials that otherwise would have gone to the landfill. I am grateful to the stately Queen Palm for her bounty!   All artwork is under copyright by the artist.