My father was a major influence and inspiration in shaping my passion for construction and design. I inherited his deep appreciation for tools and wood-working. I still use many tools passed down to me from my dad and my grandfather who was a jeweler.  When I first started making Treegirls in late 2008, it began as an artistic build challenge; seeing something in nature that reminds me of something else. My love for building and design, coupled with my construction knowledge allowed me to turn the challenge of making people from pinecones, a reality.  Early on,  I knew these creations were very special and unique.

 

What makes Treegirls by Vee unique?  The bodies are 100% plant material - pinecones and an acorn head. I make the arms from wire and coat for realism and substance.  The entire build process is done free-hand - no automated machining.  All are crafted piece-by-piece, by hand, including painted details, hair, and props.  I love the individuality that results from freestyle painting. It guarantees that no two can ever be identical.  Initially, Treegirls were presumed to be ornaments, and often referred to as art dolls, but they are so much more. Treegirls are like people - so individually different. These are very limited works and will never be mass produced.  To behold a Treegirl is something enchanting and beckons a smile.  Most collectors of Treegirls keep them on display year-round in their homes. 

 

I don’t struggle with art genre identity. Treegirls are the manifestation of what I imagine. I'm inspired by everything in the world.  I coax Nature to embue my design with a spiritual essence.  I want Nature to have a presence in every design.  While cottagecore may best define Treegirls, aesthetically, my work bridges fine art and folk art traditions. Mostly 1:6 scale art doll size, Treegirls evoke emotions -through an experience or memory. Treegirls represent nearly every race, culture, historical periods, vocations, and interests. It is Nature reimagined as us. Over the last 17 years, I have made less than 200 Treegirl builds, and while design ideas are limitless, Treegirls will always be limited by how many I can produce.  As the sole proprietor of Treegirls by Vee, I enjoy doing every process of each build by myself.  From selecting the pinecones from my trees to the final work – I have always been a one-person operation.  At the end of 2024, I decided to open an Etsy shop (TreegirlsbyVee.etsy.com)  which had a wonderful debut.  My mind is always creating the next Treegirl design, yet to be built. One aspect will never change: Treegirls will always be original artist-made exclusive pieces that began its journey on trees.