Money Trees & The Desert: Finding Wealth in the Wild

When Kendrick Lamar took the Super Bowl stage, he didn’t just perform—he proved, once again, that his words are currency. Money Trees, one of his most iconic tracks, isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem of survival, choices, and the hustle for something greater. And for me, it didn’t just hit my playlist—it inspired this desert artwork.

In my latest mixed media piece, a lone cowgirl walks through a desert full of towering cacti—my version of trees. The desert is no easy place to thrive. It’s relentless, scorching, and unforgiving. For those who can adapt, who learn its ways, it’s home. Much like Lamar’s lyrics describe the pull between ambition and circumstance, my work explores that same push and pull—between harsh reality and the ability to make it work in your favor.

"It go Halle Berry or hallelujah…" That line alone captures it: the choice between luxury or faith, escape or endurance. Most people might look at the desert and see scarcity, just like they might hear Money Trees and only catch the surface-level meaning about wealth. However, I see something else. I see resilience. I see the ability to turn harsh conditions into something that sustains you.

As an artist, I often find that songs create images in my mind before my hands ever touch a canvas. Money Trees played, and I saw her—the cowgirl who doesn’t wish for a different setting but learns to thrive in the one she’s in. If you can’t find wealth in your own wild, who’s to say you’ll find it anywhere else?

So, in honor of Lamar’s recent performance and this ever-relevant track, here’s a piece born from the same energy. Let me know—what does Money Trees mean to you? 🌵🎶