Arbor Vitae

It's been a while since I posted a blog, I know; it's actually been rather lovely to hear how many people have missed them and asked why I had stopped. I had often wondered if anyone actually read them, but now I know that you do! I intend to get back on track and send out regular monthly ones again, honest...... but forgive me for getting sidetracked!

Framed paintings ready to be hung somewhere new!

I became completely obsessed with the idea for an exhibition focused entirely on trees. I have been painting, writing, researching for weeks and weeks..... Now the paintings are ready, beautifully framed. The written texts to go with them are almost finished (I keep having new ideas!) ​and I was nervously beginning to shift my focus to the actual opening night.

I decided to call the collection "Arbor Vitae"

Nature Trust Malta were going to have a display of indigenous saplings for sale, with other information about the wonderful work they do to protect and preserve endangered wildlife and endangered species in Malta. Such as their hogwatch to rescue and treat injured hedgehogs.

When the creative floodgates open, all sorts of things can happen. I was debating whether or not to include this beauty - is she too weird, I wondered?
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She is wearing a dress with a long tree print. Her head is the tangled roots of a potbound plant... I even made her a necklace and earrings from bits of bark I picked up on the last painting holiday I led to Sicily with Caroline Said Lawrence.

You can see, perhaps, why I forgot all about writing blogs......

I did write though; each painting has a short text attached to it, exploring different ideas and aspects of trees.

From the symbolic 'Tree of Life' decoration in Malta's Hypogeum to rainforest shamans helping researchers to find plant based cures for cancer. From the communication networks of tree roots to how vital trees are to filter the air we breathe. From abstract paintings to plein air studies of trees in situ. 

I want to help raise awareness around how important trees are to our health and living conditions. That if we treat this planet as if we can control Nature by destroying and decimating her, it will be human life that pays the ultimate price. 

You can read - and see - the main part of the collection by clicking HERE

"Dryad"

Anyway, all my plans have stalled, as the venue I had intended to use frustrated me so much that I cancelled the whole thing. I have never done anything like this before, so I'm feeling a little shell shocked about it. 

There will be a better venue I am sure; I'm not really worried about that. I have a few options on offer already. I just have to pick the best one.
​Or I might just decide to do it it my house. 

I will let you know when it happens.
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If you are in Malta at the time I hope that you will be able to come and see the works, and maybe buy a sapling to plant too!