Tree Guardian

I am a Sydney-based artist working in expanded photo media. I explore the intersection of art, environment and health, both autobiographical and collective, especially with regards to trees and the health benefits they provide human societies.

Covid-19 has brought the health and psychological benefits of nature sharply into focus, whilst demonstrating what can happen when we ignore biophysical risks. On top of that, the recent bushfire season in Australia, and the current one unfolding right now in California, have left some with a heightened sense of urgency that our socioeconomic systems recognise and respect nature and its many life-sustaining benefits. We need to make a fundamental shift in perspective from our “business as usual approach” that is driving climate change. A failure to address this, I fear, will result in not only the continuing extinction of millions of non human species, but also the extinction of humankind itself.

My sculpture, entitled Tree Guardian, is a recognition of the importance of trees to the continuation of life on the planet. Made almost entirely from tree parts – sticks and  leaves – its message seems even more starkly relevant this year. Its leaves hand sewn together with white cotton and fashioned into a pair of wings, the installation is given life only when the audience interacts with it, and its true purpose unfolds.  Viewers are encouraged to take a “selfie” in front of the leaf wings, as though they are their own wings, and post the photos to Instagram using the hashtag #treeguardian.  

Merely by participating, the audience undertakes an unspoken pledge to plant trees, grow trees and protect trees.  

It is my hope that  people who undertake this pledge will really take it to heart and endeavour to plant more trees or, at the very least, to protect them into the future.