The Tree Compass Project

My work as a nature journal artist over the last seven years has lead me to take a deep interest in the trees in my area.  I began by noticing the changes that happen over the year, leaves appearing, fruiting to leaves falling. Which I began documenting in my nature journal.   Learning more and being able to identify different trees, taking more notice of their place in my community and the birds and wildlife that rely on them, adding to my knowledge over the years.

 

This has inspired me to look at the history of the lanscape where I live, from prehistoric times when the land was filled with giant Horsetails, to pagan times (the time of the Brigante tribe) when trees where revered for their food, medicine and presence in the landscape. I live in an ex coal mining area and without trees it wouldn't be the place it is now. 

 

I have deepend my connection with the trees in my area over the years by using their wood, leaves and berries as art materials. Making inks and pens from each different tree, creating a relationnship between myself and the trees in my town.  Working on several projects using trees as my inspiration.

 

This made me wonder if other people in my town cared about the trees, and if they had any connections or stories about the trees where we live, and the idea of a 'Garforth tree project' began to form.

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During an earlier Leeds 2023 exhibition run in my town I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Amy Baxter of Hawthorn Wellbeing, in the process I found someone else in my town who also cared for the trees. 

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Amy is a yoga teacher and well being facilitator, and when the chance came to be involved with Leeds 2023 in our area we decided to collaborate.  We both recognise the deep rich history of Garforth and feel passionate about mindfulness and nature being a resource for making healthy, sustainable, community connections..  The Tree Compass Project was born.