TREES

 


Trees are vital to the planet and all who inhabit it.  

Humans cannot live in a world without trees.  For them it means a certain death.  On the other hand, trees can survive and flourish without humans. Even in death, a tree provides life through the making of functional objects: homes, fences, bowls and so much more. Rotting, dead trees provide an environment conducive to new life and homes for the forest inhabitants, in the air and on the ground.  The objects made from the wood can be refurbished and modified throughout centuries of use. 

Inspired by the novel, "The Overstory", by Richard Powers, I created this collage.  I have photographs of the life of trees through the seasons: new growth, full foliage, slumber and old age.  At the center is a weathered wooden fence still serving its purpose.  Next to it, a human skeleton; consequences of life without trees.  Initially, I left the background unpainted.


The more I looked at it, I realized, in this format I was looking at two pictures.  This led to painting the background with water colours.  

I imagined the colours, of life and death, that I would find on the forest floor before painting the piece.

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The water colours brought the piece together beautifully.  Now some framing.  The idea is still in the fermenting stage. 

May your day be filled with creativity. 

Mary 

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