You can't unchop a tree. Cutting down a tree is a "one way street" type of action. By adding a trompe loeil element of the masking tape as a means to "fix" the tree, I am poking fun at the 'cheapest and quickest' means of dealing with the issue of deforestation. Within the painting, it also acts to 'ruin' the landscape; a decision meant to intentionally disrupt the harmony of the natural world. We must face these facts, and I want to bring attention to this idea. These trees are incredible in real life; over 200 years old in some cases, up to 4500 years old in the case of the Bristlecone Pine. It is worth appreciating a tree for it's amazing life, and the network to which it connects,  rather than it's economic value as a product to sell. Please note there are two or three landscape paintings on this page as well; you're not "missing" the tape element.