Since I was a child, I’ve always loved stones for some reason.

I’d hold a smooth, rounded stone in my hand, one that had been washed by the flowing river or ocean waves. Even though it’s a hard mineral, it feels soft and pleasant for some reason.

When I think about how a large rock from hundreds of millions of years ago crumbled, was washed by water, and finally came to rest in my hand, I see a certain romance in it.

It’s believed that stones also possess vibrations.

The “vibrations of a stone” are said to be a faint energy (or frequency) that the stone emits, which can be scientifically explained as originating from the mineral’s crystal structure and composition. Natural stones are said to have a unique energy that can balance a person’s mind and body and improve their luck. These vibrations are thought to resonate with human energy, promoting the activation of the subconscious and encouraging positive thinking. It’s believed that this energy can be more easily received through communication with the stone.

The human mind and body also emit electromagnetic waves, and it’s said that when a stone’s vibrations resonate with these frequencies, the subconscious is activated and positive thoughts are generated.

It’s believed that stones support healing, spiritual growth, and positive change by providing the energy their owner needs.

Because it’s difficult to receive this energy in a disturbed mental state, it’s important to meditate and relax regularly and to receive signs from the stone through communication.

Back when I lived in Japan, I once saw petrified wood on Kamakura Mountain and I remember laughing with friends, saying, “That’s a ‘Get Stone!’”

Trees naturally vibrate due to wind and internal structural dynamics, a phenomenon studied for plant dynamics and energy harvesting. These vibrations involve the movement of the trunk, branches, and leaves at different frequencies, which vary based on the tree’s size, wood properties, and architecture. While trees have a fundamental vibrational frequency, wind causes them to oscillate and even twist, with various parts vibrating in overlapping frequency bands to dissipate energy and return to a resting position. 

Even without wind, trees have inherent dynamic properties that influence their vibrations. These properties, such as their size, wood density, and branching structure, affect their natural frequencies.

The movement and vibration of trees can be harnessed to generate clean energy. 

The vibrations and resulting movements of trees play a role in their overall health and their interactions with the environment. 

Six works, each a “Space of Wood & Stone,” encapsulate a scene woven from wood and stone. I wrapped each of these scenes in paper that’s a replication of the delicate and elegant patterns our Japanese ancestors once drew for kimono designs. This paper emphasizes the beauty of the scenes within.

Why not spend some time in your own quiet space, communing with these?

Display at the Northcoast Artists Gallery in Fort Bragg, Sept. 4 – Nov. 4, 2025