Natural erosion of the chalky soil frequently reveals the roots of trees on the Hampshire hangers, but this beech is an extreme case. Immense, intriguingly intertwined, the muscular, naked root structure forms an intricate lattice roof over an intimate hollowed-out cavern. Somebody has fetched branches from other trees to enhance the den: a defensive fence of pales, neatly arranged: mankind’s order amid nature’s chaos.
The shapes and their emotive meanings are all: look closely and you may find pareidolic figures in the convoluted bases of the trees.
Palisade
Indian ink on kaolin-faced board, 24″ x 18″
Framed, black wooden tray frame
SOLD at Southern Nature Art 2024, where it also won me the Best Newcomer award!
