Arbor Vitae

an exhibition of my paintings, poetry and prose at the Visitor's Centre of the
The Majjistral Nature and History Park
Ghajn Tuffieha
November / December 2016

I hope that you find this journey into dendrolatry (the worship of trees) as fascinating as I have!

Translated literally from the Latin,
Arbor Vitae
means ‘Tree of Life”.

Trees have been an iconic symbol for many cultures and religions since time immemorial. Many creation myths hold them as metaphors for life, growth, death and rebirth. Along with circles and spirals, the tree symbol is an innate identification with Nature as we perceive it. We witness them grow, blossom, bear fruit, seemingly die during the winter and then burst into life again every season. They are living proof that the cycles of life continue unabated around us, blessing us with a sense of security and hope, as important for our emotional well being as they are for our physical health and visual enjoyment.

The term Arbor Vitae also describes the tree or fern like branches found in the white matter of the cerebellum, where it serves the crucial function of communication between different parts of the brain. This multi dimensional design of spreading branches is echoed elsewhere in our bodies too; most notably in our lungs and veins. The pattern is not linear but organic, developing upwards and outwards, above, below and in all directions.

It is imperative that we realise how vital trees are to our survival on this planet. It is only because of our symbiotic relationship with trees that we are even able to breathe. Instead of worshipping trees it would seem that we are hell-bent on destroying as many as quickly as possible. Logging, mining, agriculture and invasive industries are causing mass deforestation and destabilising the world’s climate, which we are all beginning to experience first-hand.

By acting locally we can help to restore global imbalances. Make an act of faith in the future; plant indigenous trees, protect and nurture them. They will repay you, your children, and your children’s children not simply with their grandeur and beauty but with clean air, less soil erosion, natural shade, richer earth...... the benefits are infinite.

And Mother Earth will love you too.

The Park stretches all the way from Golden Bay to Popeye Village and is the only protected natural wildlife area in Malta
Thousands of trees have been planted, many tons of rubbish removed in the short time that the park has been operational. As the lungs of Malta, it deserves our support.

A Talk in the Park

A lovely crowd joined us in the Majjistral Nature and History Park on the 3rd December for an entertaining morning with Sammy Vella, who lectures in agro-science and is Chariman of the Board of the Santa Marija Residents’ Association.

He gave a fascinating talk on the healing properties of plants. The amount of information and sheer knowledge was incredible. We were all spellbound and I'm sure most of us have gone home ready to try out some of the remedies and tips that Sammy shared.followed by a short guided walk in the park itself.

The talk, surrounded by my exhibition, Arbor Vitae, lasted much longer than planned, the walk was cut short by rain, but it really was an entertaining and informative morning and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Poetry in the Park

On the 26th November the Majjistral Visitor's Centre hosted a fun event - poetry based on trees and nature. The guest speakers read either their own work or something else that they love.

Overseen by Vanessa MacDonald, it was a convivial and entertaining evening! Afterwards we shared wine and snacks, made friends with new people, and enjoyed the great atmosphere we had all created.

Here is a recording of the evening....

"Tree of Life" acrylics and oil pastel on canvas 120 x 40 cms

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a universal symbol appearing in the spiritual traditions of most cultures. It has been associated with growth, protection, bounty and redemption since ancient times. In the underground temple of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (3300-3000 BC) the room known as the Oracle Chamber is decorated in a branching design of red ochre spirals. Known as the Tree of Life, the design is thought to denote life, prosperity and nourishment

"Trilogy" acrylics and scumble glaze 48 x 19

The World Tree

With its roots buried deep in the nurturing earth and its branches stretching high into the heavens, the mythological World Tree dwells in three worlds. It forms a sacred link between the earth, the ‘real’ world and the heavens. Many creation myths across the world described this wondrous Tree as a central pole of the universe. It supports or holds up the whole cosmos, uniting it with the centre of the underworld. Everything above and below is affected by the thoughts and deeds of those living in the in-between world of Man.

"World Tree" watercolour and gold ink on paper 57 x 48 cms framed - sold

Axis Mundi

The term Axis Mundi is the tree used as a central ‘pole’ for communication between the Cosmos, Man and the magical source of all fertility, Mother Earth. Shamans across the world, as the wise men and women, the ‘seers’ of their communities, commonly use the symbol of the tree to facilitate their journeying into non-physical realities. In these altered states they are able to access wisdom and insight from the Upper, Middle and Lower worlds using the tree to guide them.

Mother Nature is Bubbling

The first breath of sunshine
The first smell of rain
The naked exposure
The birthshock, the pain.
One tiny green tendril
A thin strand of life
With the strength to drill concrete
Crack tarmac; soft knife.

Mother Nature is bubbling
Beneath us, be sure
Relentlessly pushing
From the heart of her core.
Through plastics and poisons
The fumes and the fears
Trees grow, flowers bloom
But she cries bitter tears.
You are killing yourselves , she says
And you have the choice
I will survive, she says
Each seed her voice.

As she opens around us
Her leaves breathing hope
She knows we are parasites
And that we couldn’t cope
If she turned against us
One last bitter laugh
There will be no defences
No suppressing her wrath

So we have the choice now
To sow for tomorrow
To plant for the future
For all that will follow.
Cast your care forward
And generations to come
Will remember your foresight
And bless your wisdom.

"Winds of Change" watercolour 39 x 55 - sold

"Cosmic Tree" acrylic and scumble glaze - sold

Cosmic Tree

Trees were an essential part of the mythologies of many early cultures, including the Greco-Roman, Celtic and Teutonic.
Some cultures believed that all mystics must climb the mythological Cosmic Tree in order to understand and commune with the Gods. Some believed that the Gods actually turned themselves into trees.

"Axis Mundi" mixed media on canvas 105 x 56 cms

Cypress

Evergreens in particular are powerful symbols of fertility and rebirth. Some indigenous cultures have a special tree where women will go to appeal for the spiritual ‘seed’ necessary for them to conceive a child. Our Christmas trees were originally part of ancient pagan celebrations where an evergreen tree was brought into the home during the winter solstice as a symbol of continuing life. Some cultures burnt the trees, others decorated them with lights to bring comfort and warmth to the darkest, coldest time of the year.

"Cypress" watercolour 78 x 57 cms

"Dancing Olives" watercolour

"Olive Grove" acrylics - sold

Whispers

Who is this that moves you,
Shivers your timbers,
Whispers one leaf one;
Or whips you to a frenzy
And knows you cannot run?
His silence breathes your leaves to song,
Trembling at his glance;
This whistling lover, never seen,
Snares you in his dance.
Would you have him
If he dared
Show his awful face?
Or rather let him whirl around you
Tempting his embrace?

Tree Hugging

The tree is a very useful metaphor for a secure and fruitful life. Their roots stablise the earth below and around them, helping to prevent soil erosion and the waste of precious nutrients that other plants need to grow.
Imagining that we have roots growing down beneath our feet reaching into the earth is a powerfully grounding idea. These roots can help us feel more stable during life’s storms and pressures. Feeling that these roots are also in touch with others below the surface and that they communicate with each other beyond our daily awareness is a comforting idea.
When we move from one location to another we often talk of ‘uprooting’ ourselves, and ‘putting down roots’ somewhere new. Wherever we go though, we can still feel the influence of our original place of growing up. The current mass movement of humans away from their religions and cultures brings with it a huge feeling of instability, insecurity and loss. The whole human ‘tree’ is feeling somewhat rootless and ungrounded.
Perhaps, by taking a leaf from the ancient indigenous ways, we could try to believe that we all affect each other, for good or bad, just as trees do. That one small action can influence the whole. If we practice feeling grounded in our own lives maybe we can help stabilise the greater field around us. Whether that works or not, it’s worth a try, costs nothing and will help you, if no one else.

Hug a tree!

"Mother Tree" watercolour watercolour 98 x 76 cms - sold

In The Shade

With lifespans that are often much longer than humans, trees are potent symbols of Time. They remind us that we are part of a greater timeline, that Now is the only time we have to act. Most of the trees around us today should – unless they are destroyed – still be standing many years after we have become their fertiliser! We could be sitting in the shade of a tree that someone carefully planted and nurtured long ago. Who will follow us into the same dancing shade of these blessed leaves?

Mother Trees

Trees are so much more than their visual appearance. Below the surface, they have root systems which are at least as extensive as their branches. More and more evidence is being gathered that their roots communicate one with another, passing messages and warnings.
It has been shown that some trees are ‘hubs’ for this constant dialogue, and are known as Mother Trees. These Mother Trees favour their own saplings before others, sending them nutrients before feeding others in the area.
We do the same with our own young. Shouldn’t we at least ensure the generations that follow us bless us as their Mother Trees? That we had the foresight to safeguard their environment and the very air they need to breathe?

"In The Shade" watercolour 98 x 76 cms

"The Olive Waltz" watercolour - sold

The Air We Breathe

Trees are essential for human life to continue on this planet. They are huge, free, natural filtration systems, absorbing the poisonous carbon dioxide that we exhale and converting it to oxygen, which we depend upon. Without them we would simply choke on each other’s breath.
Perhaps to remind us, Nature has designed our lungs with beautiful tree like patterns to absorb life giving oxygen into our bodies.
Breathe deeply and then exhale – feed a tree!
And if you are having trouble sleeping at night, try keeping one or all of 5 specific plants in your bedroom. They exude oxygen and calming scents into the air. Lavender, Aloe Vera, Snake Plant, English Ivy and White Jasmine are said to be particularly effective

"Dance of Life" watercolour 87 x 68 cm

Dance of Life

Trees are essential for human life to continue on this planet. They are huge, free, natural filtration systems, absorbing the poisonous carbon dioxide that we exhale and converting it to oxygen, which we depend upon. Without them we would simply choke on each other’s breath.

Perhaps to remind us, Nature has designed our lungs with beautiful tree like patterns to absorb life giving oxygen into our bodies.
Breathe deeply and then exhale – feed a tree!

"Valley, Ta Mena" watercolour 97 x 77 cm- sold

Dance for Joy

Roots stretch down from every plant, every tree;
tangled earthy fingers poking,
searching,
winding deeper and deeper.
They embrace us all in their vast interwoven basket,
gnarled loving fingers absorbing the pure essence of life
and then gleefully tossing it up into our awareness,
where trees dance with joy
and the flowers and fruit
burst into rainbow showers of endless beauty
and unconditional love.

"Dance For Joy" watercolour 95 x 75 cms

"Carob" watercolour 27 x 35 - sold

Old Carob Tree

There is an ancient carob tree in the grounds of Villa Bologna in Attard. It is reputedly older than the Villa itself, which dates back to the 1750’s.
It is huge and gnarled, branches have broken off under the weight of the fruit it still bears every year. The mighty trunk is supported by bricks, but the paving slabs below are cracked and broken by the pressure of its leaning. Its roots are bursting up and through the slabs too, this huge unwieldy leviathan where children have played and generations have shaded. Trees talk to us of times past. They remind us to sit a while and dream, to listen to their whispers and their creakings...... Memories are safe with trees.

"Carob at Villa Bologna" watercolour - sold

"Summer Heat, Cicadas" acrylics 58 x 70 - sold

Family Tree

Our lineages stretch back into time, our ancestors still speaking to us through our genes and inheritances. They are the roots of our Family Tree, inter-relating beyond our remembering with every other human family on earth. We have all sprung from this rich soil, to live and grow the tree a little higher, a little fuller, a little greater. We are here to grow the branches, flutter with the leaves and glory in the sunshine.

It is our responsibility to support and encourage new growth, feeding the twigs and flowers and fruit of the future.
The tree is our assurance that life continues, nothing ever truly dies; we are all part of Nature’s pulsing love story.

Planting Indigenous Trees

There are many reasons why it is important to plant and preserve trees and plants that are native to a specific area. They are accustomed to the local conditions of weather and soil quality and have adapted themselves over a long period of time to thrive better than those introduced from other regions. They are better able to provide suitable food and habitat for local wildlife and to bring balance to the ecosystem.
Here is a list of trees indigenous to Malta; all but one rarely seen in their natural habitats these days.
Araar Tree (Sigra tal-Gharghar). This species of cypress is the national tree of Malta but is now rarely found in the wild. It is on the list of world endangered trees as it is only found in the Maltese islands and a small forest pocket in Spain.
Carob (Harruba}. This tree is a common sight across Malta and is found in its natural habitat. The seed pods are used as animal fodder and as a cocoa substitute. It is also popular as a cure for colds when made into a syrup.
White Poplar (Il-Luq). This is a deciduous tree which has become very rare in the wild. It has, however, been planted in many parks and gardens.
Holm Oak (Il-Balluta). This ancient tree was once very common in Malta but is becoming rare. They are occasionally found in parks and streets. The fruit is called Gandra.
Bay Laurel (Randa). This native tree has all but disappeared from the wild but can still be found in parks and gardens. Its leaves are renowned for their flavour in cooking and also for their medicinal properties.
The Judas Tree (Sigra ta’Guda). This beautiful bush used to be common in the wild but is now only found in parks and some streets. Its bright red-purple flowers appear in the winter.
Common Myrtle (Ir-Rihan). The fragrant flowers of this small tree smell like citrus buds. It was once very common in the wild; Ghajn Rihana in Malta and Wied ir-Rihan in Gozo were both named after it. It has been planted in parks and gardens.
Aleppo Pine (Iz-Znuber tal-Prinjoli). This is the tallest tree in Malta, sometimes growing to over 100 feet. It is rare in the wild but can often be found lining streets and in some parks. It has a very distinctive cone.

"Calligraphy" acrylics 61 x 47 - sold

Calligraphy

Dance, trees!
Lift up your skirts
Bend those bony knees
And flirt!
Let those scritchy scratchy fingers
Lyricise the skies
And the light that spills between your leaves
Lay runes before my eyes.
Nature’s free calligraphy
Choreographed by Tree
Your ecstatic static dance
Will set all Spirits free.

“Blue Tree” watercolour 60 x 47 cms

"Star Stuff" watercolour 59 x 47 cms

"Shimmer" watercolour 42 x 29 sold

"Dune Tree" watercolour 42 x 29 sold

Star Stuff

Absolutely everything in the cosmos is formed from the same star-stuff, in varying combinations. We are forever united by the same building blocks that have created universes and feathers, grains of sand and every single one of us. And yet, in our inter-connectedness we are all totally unique. Every single creation, every blade of grass, every tiny insect, is matchless and irreplaceable.
In our sameness perhaps we can find compassion and tolerance, in our differences a source of deep wonder.

“Contemplation” mixed media 93 x 58 cms - sold

Trees of Contemplation

Trees are often used as a focus for contemplation and prayer
Sacred trees as places of pilgrimage, prayer, ritual, ceremony and celebration are found in almost all spiritual traditions across the world. In Christian, Norse, Celtic, Mayan, Shamanic, Hindu, Egyptian, Sumerian, and Toltec traditions, trees are powerful symbols signifying the union of the temporal world with time, space and consciousness.

In the Bible, God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate of the Tree of Knowledge they would become so aware of their own shortcomings that they would have to leave the Garden of Eden.

Buddha gained enlightenment under the Boddhi Tree
(a type of fig ). The Indian Banyan Tree is perhaps the most venerated tree of all though, representing the Divine Creator and eternal life.

"Gold Leaf 1" acrylics 52 x 37

"Gold Leaf 2" acrylics 49 x 34

Medicine Trees

Across the globe, indigenous cultures are guided by their shamans. These wise men and women are trained from childhood in the ways and wisdoms of their people. One of their vital roles is to provide holistic healing using only what is to hand, usually local herbs and plants. So far, Western researchers have identified 25 – 30,000 species of medicinal plants, many with the direct help of shamans. Their claims to ‘ask the plants’ for their healing properties have saved drug companies thousands of dollars in needless testing. 25% of our medicines have plant based origins. 70% of the plants identified as having anti-cancer characteristics by the National Cancer Institute are found only in the tropical rainforest. The potential for new cures as yet undiscovered are enormous.
And what are we doing? Huge areas of these forests are being razed to the ground to make way for grazing and heavy industry. Biopiracy and deforestation are devastating vast swathes of these natural reservoirs of potential cures.

"Be the One" acrylics 83 x 62 cms sold

"Tree Spirits" acrylics 72 x 51

Be The One

The enormous implications of global deforestation can feel overwhelming. But you can do something simple but significant to help. If you can, plant trees! If that’s not practical, nurture plants in your home environment. Research by NASA has shown that besides purifying the air, different plants can improve personal spaces in many ways. One example is the easy to grow Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa') absorbs and filters formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, trichloroethylene, ammonia and xylene – all common household irritants.

Testing trees outdoors is obviously more difficult, but it is probably safe to assume that they have a comparable effect on the environment.

Be the One to make a difference in your home!

Down Deep

Beneath our feet the planet teems with abundant, generous, bounteous life. Mother Earth recycles everything she can into whatever her dependants desire. She struggles valiantly with nuclear waste, plastics, poisons and all the other non degradable detritus of human life. Bugs and worms busy themselves endlessly, transforming everything they can into compost. All Nature wants to do is GROW. She has no preference between blossoms or bacteria; she will feed and encourage them all. She will support whatever wants to increase, sustain it vigorously, and then welcome it back to her bosom to recycle and return to the whole wonderful system.

"Down Deep" acrylics on canvas 122 x 40 cms sold

"I Watch"

"I See"

"I Know"

"Song of the Woods"

Divination

I have practiced shamanic methods of journeying for several years now and this has given me access to an inner, personal, knowing of ‘tree’ beyond the outer surface appearance. I gain grounding and comfort by identifying with this deep and nurturing connection to Mother Earth.
By musing on abstract patterns, I often find subtle answers to my questions. These canvases were covered with random markings before they suggested trees. Later I discovered faces and figures in them too. I find them strange and touching.

"Nymph"

"Upon Reflection" sold