Abstract
WBN United Artists invited responses to The Overstory by Richard Powers for an exhibition at Bower Ashton Library, Bristol, UK. We received 200+ works by artists from countries around the world including Australia, Austria, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, UK, USA.
My creative response to Tell It to the Trees takes the form of a three-colour silkscreen print depicting the Major Oak, an ancient tree located in Sherwood Forest. The image was based on a photograph taken during COVID-19 lockdown, a time when ideas of vulnerability and resilience were particularly heightened. The Major Oak, historically a symbol of endurance and legend, now stands supported by an intricate system of beams and scaffolds, underscoring its physical fragility despite its monumental status. In this work, I sought to explore the tension between the majesty of nature and its underlying vulnerability, a duality that mirrors human experience during periods of crisis. The layered silkscreen process, with its deliberate use of three distinct colours, emphasizes the interplay of strength and delicacy within the form of the tree. Colour choices were made to evoke a sense of reverence and melancholy, amplifying the emotional resonance of the image. The image addresses broader ecological and existential concerns, positioning the Major Oak as both a natural wonder and a poignant metaphor for collective human fragility and aging.
Responses to the book developed our overarching theme – to look after our environment, listen to it and take care of it. Artists’ works have been created in praise of particular trees or forests and to campaigners and activists who work to protect them and engage others with caring for the environment. Many recalled their experiences of standing with trees and experiencing the peace of nature, being grateful for the restful space they provide.
The works are now on display in the main gallery space at Bower Ashton Library until 30th July 2025.
Organised by Sarah Bodman Associate Professor - Artists' Books / Programme Leader MA Multidisciplinary Printmaking, The School of Arts, UWE Bristol
My creative response to Tell It to the Trees takes the form of a three-colour silkscreen print depicting the Major Oak, an ancient tree located in Sherwood Forest. The image was based on a photograph taken during COVID-19 lockdown, a time when ideas of vulnerability and resilience were particularly heightened. The Major Oak, historically a symbol of endurance and legend, now stands supported by an intricate system of beams and scaffolds, underscoring its physical fragility despite its monumental status. In this work, I sought to explore the tension between the majesty of nature and its underlying vulnerability, a duality that mirrors human experience during periods of crisis. The layered silkscreen process, with its deliberate use of three distinct colours, emphasizes the interplay of strength and delicacy within the form of the tree. Colour choices were made to evoke a sense of reverence and melancholy, amplifying the emotional resonance of the image. The image addresses broader ecological and existential concerns, positioning the Major Oak as both a natural wonder and a poignant metaphor for collective human fragility and aging.
Responses to the book developed our overarching theme – to look after our environment, listen to it and take care of it. Artists’ works have been created in praise of particular trees or forests and to campaigners and activists who work to protect them and engage others with caring for the environment. Many recalled their experiences of standing with trees and experiencing the peace of nature, being grateful for the restful space they provide.
The works are now on display in the main gallery space at Bower Ashton Library until 30th July 2025.
Organised by Sarah Bodman Associate Professor - Artists' Books / Programme Leader MA Multidisciplinary Printmaking, The School of Arts, UWE Bristol
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Bristol |
| Publication status | Published - 3 Apr 2025 |
