Reflection
Working with images of the branches of trees reflected in the water of the lake on the Felbrigg estate led to an imaginative response relating to two famous drownings: ‘L’Inconnue de la Seine’, an anonymous young woman whose serene death mask became a talisman for 19C artists and poets, and the suicide of the writer Virginia Woolf.
The Defynnog Yew
The Defynnog Yew is an ancient tree in the churchyard of St Cynog’s Church, Defynnog near Brecon in Wales and is thought to be around 5000 years old. Yew trees were held sacred by the Druids and regarded as symbols of longevity and regeneration in Celtic mythology.
The Glastonbury Thorn
The Glastonbury Thorn is a real, twice yearly blossoming, hawthorn tree (or trees) and a potent myth. The original Thorn supposedly grew on the spot where
Joseph of Arimathea thrust his staff into the ground on Weary-All or Wirral Hill. Over the centuries it has multiplied and spread, been cut down, re-planted, re-
positioned and had its mythical power claimed by Christians and Pagans alike.
Sweet Chestnut
Two pieces completed during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020/21 responding to ancient sweet chestnut trees on the Felbrigg estate in Norfolk. Gouache on clay board.
The Exmoor Project
Four small works on clay and scratch board made in response to a visit to woods in Somerset as part of the Arborealists’ Exmoor project.
La Vieille Vigne
Three drawings forming a composite image of an old vine in southern France.
Eucalypteae
Graphite drawings from photographs by Adrian Hollister of a eucalyptus tree at Inverewe.
Kett’s Oak
Nine charcoal drawings forming a composite image of a historic tree.