I have spent a great deal of time recently immersed in the woodland around Towneley and beyond, closely observing silver birches – their groupings and their relationships to one other, their trunks, bark and other organic forms living on and amongst them.
I have spent time revisiting and discovering the work of artists and ceramic artists whose work interests and excites me in terms of form and texture, such as Lenore Lampi, Sue Mundy, Jenny Beavan, David Brown, Rachel Wood and Robin Welch.
Rachel Wood Robin Welch David Brown
I have developed a great interest in the life of the forest and its trees – how they grow together, support each other and communicate with each other. Peter Wohlleben’s book “The Hidden Life of Trees” has been an inspirational read, describing scientific research to discover how trees are like human families. Tree parents live with their “children”, support them, share nutrients with sick trees and warn each other of dangers. In his book he details the processes of life, death and regeneration in the woodland, which is a fascination of mine.
A witty and uplifting read is Jack Cooke’s “The Tree Climber’s Guide” as the author tells how he rediscovered his childhood enjoyment of tree climbing, recommending the activity to all ages and even city dwellers:
“We came from the trees and we can return to them.”
For my birthday last week, my son presented me with a beautiful book – “The Living Forest” by Joan Maloof, photographs by Robert Llewellyn. In the book Maloof’s scientific knowledge and Llewellyn’s amazing photography demonstrate the interrelationships that make our forests and woodlands living, breathing entities.
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