The events of this week will stay rooted in my memory for a long time! As well having received the good news of becoming Artist in Residence at https://whitewoodswellbeing.co.uk/ I was there being interviewed by TV presenter, JJ Chalmers. I spoke to the camera crew about my tree artwork and role as a ‘Force for Nature’ ambassador for a Gardeners’ World programme to be aired in late September or October. The exact date has not yet been confirmed. It was an exciting experience and luckily I was given an idea in advance of the sort of questions to prepare for. I also knew that I would be asked to show some of my collages and explain what motivated me to create them.
I described how trees appeal to me because of their colours during all the different seasons. I feel inspired by the textures and abstract shapes of trees, their gnarled roots and the way their branches spread. I took the photograph below in the location where the filming was taking place at Fishpond Wood, Bewerley.
I was asked to talk about the techniques I use to create my art:
I like to look at the texture and markings on the bark of trees. The lichens and growths on tree trunks, branches and twigs make a variety of interesting patterns:
I love to see the different shapes and sizes of fungi on trees. My photograph below shows the vivid colours of fungi growing amongst moss on a fallen branch in the woods:
I was asked why I want to inspire others to value trees and I replied that I am very proud as a Tree Council ambassador to support the ‘Force For Nature’ campaign. This has involved me helping with the design of their T-shirts, talks at festivals and Zoom meetings with schools.
Recently I worked with the creators of the picture exchange communication system (PECS) on new symbols that show the climate crisis. These symbols can be used by pupils with special needs to help with their understanding of environmental problems.
My role with The Tree Council is about communicating the message that all young people can be a ‘Force for Nature’. I do this through my art and the work that I have done with PECS. The following link takes you to a short film clip I was involved in for The Tree Council:
Young people can and should be involved in the campaign to tackle climate and nature crises. Everyone can do their part whether it is planting and caring for one tree, helping out in a school club or raising awareness – it all matters. We have all seen how our landscapes and our lives have been affected by climate change and drought; we need to do what we can to protect our natural world, increase diversity and help create thriving landscapes.
The day’s filming would not have been possible without the kind permission and agreement of Peter and Michelle Brambleby, owners of Fishpond Wood.
Peter ensured that everything went well and I feel certain that Fishpond Woods will become even more popular once seen on Gardeners’ World!
I was delighted to accept Peter and Michelle’s offer to become the Artist in Residence at Fishpond Wood. This opportunity will enable me to work in a calm environment that connects me more to being out in nature. The woodland gives me time and space to develop my work and explore new creative ideas. I will be sharing the artwork I produce over the course of the next year, inspired by this beautiful woodland setting, which I photographed below:
Visitors will be able to see some of my art on display at The Hexagon study barn In Fishpond Wood and I am looking forward to leading a series of workshops to be organised there. I will be pleased to share my ideas with them on creating art from recycled materials and hope they will take inspiration from the special woodland surroundings. Fishpond Wood has been a real influence on some of my photography and art as shown below:
