“When we have learned how to listen to trees, then the brevity and the quickness and the childlike hastiness of our thoughts achieve an incomparable joy.”
-- Hermann Hesse
Scientific studies suggest that people that live in contact with nature and green areas are more relaxed, happier, and better equipped to fight stress. I can definitely attest to that. Most of us have been confined to our homes and immediate surroundings due to the coronavirus pandemic. Not prepared to deal with such a monumental public health crisis, I could have spiraled out of control and descended to very dark places.
But I am very fortunate to live surrounded by a forest of impressive Monterey Pines and other important tree species. When first sheltering in place, I looked forward to those times of the day when I would take a little break to walk around home just admiring the greenery. The familiar world around me standing still, empty, and after a while, everything would start looking eerie and unreal. I felt like I was living in a post-apocalyptic world like those in sci-fi movies.
I started paying attention to the things that would usually go unnoticed. A few fallen leaves here, a twisted branch there, a pinecone on the ground, the silhouette of a tree against a foggy sunrise. How beautiful and delicate nature is. How majestic the oak, pine, and cypress trees stand for centuries, timelessly observing human nature. How many of our secrets have they witnessed? How many confessions have they heard? Are they really aware of our existence? I feel I could talk to the trees about anything, my most intimate feelings, moments of joy and sadness, and uncertainty. How invigorating unburdening can be.
In this context, this body of work attempts to depict the restorative power of trees. It is a tribute to these incredible living organisms that we take for granted and fail to notice in the course of our busy lives. Images in this series are all photography-based. They share a bold style full of energy, color, and power. They are absolutely chaotic.
The Psychology of Trees body of work is being featured at the "Welcome 2021" exhibition organized by Israeli Art Market from January 1 to March 1, 2021 to welcome the new year.
Artist Statement
For this body of work, I draw on my background in painting and classical music to create artworks full of mystery and romanticism. I approach a variety of subjects, all having one characteristic in common. They are usually examples of what too often goes unnoticed. By applying a poetic style, I create intense self-expressive images luring viewers to slow down and take the time to appreciate often-missed beauty in their busy lives. With an almost self-portraiture approach, I unveil the mysteries of nature. By means of conceptual collages and cinematic effects, I challenge long-held assumptions of what photography means to us. Rather than presenting stark reality, I prefer to fabricate an illusion to let viewers explore their imagination limits.
Bravo! Another stunning collection of work!