TRYSTING TREES
Trysting Trees is a series of theoretical and creative workshops based on trees commonly found in the UK and Ireland. The project is an ongoing inquiry into plant connection, through the lens of artists, gardeners and foragers.
The aim of the Trysting Trees project, is to grow an attunement to specific tree species through a variety of methods, lenses and mediums.
In our own work and through our Trysting Trees workshops we look at the following:
How have each tree come to be called, both botanically and place specifically. We inquire into the etymology of both common and botanical names to ask what can be found.
Plant identification, looking at habitats and how to and where the tree grows and tree propagation/regeneration.
How can we learn about each tree's integral role in the web of life. How do other species interact with the tree, and it back?
Medicinal properties: tinctures, wine, flower essences, tea infusions, syrups. How is each tree known to be helpful in aiding human health.
Food, which parts of each tree is edible and how.
Exploring significance in culture and folklore. What is laying dormant in our own consciousness and how can we learn ways of integrating trees into the human experience?
How have they inspired costume and image making?
Trysting Trees was born out of our desire to making art materials from the land around us, to reweave our selves into relationship with the beings surrounding us from the lens we knew best, the arts and crafts.
In this part of our workshop series and own art work, we work with various parts of each tree to create beautiful:
plant dyes
rich drawing/writing inks and printing inks
paints and printing inks
plant filled papers
drawing charcoals
unique creative tools
journals
Ultimately the aim of the Trysting Trees project, is to be in relationship with tree species, to experience the deep and many ways we can know these magnificent and integral beings. In our work and in our workshops, we foster personal relationships with a trees, suggesting ways that trees can be with us and help us in our daily lives. Finding a tree, or several trees which can be visited easily in the future is an integral part of the prep for any in depth Trysting Trees workshop.
Please do get in touch if you are interested in how this project could work with you or your organisation. We are keen to partner with individuals and groups to help to grow this project.