While we were in the woods to photograph Genaro’s tree another one was tugging on my sleeve, seeking attention, though apparently invisible to my present company who were deep in discussion about times gone past.
From my vantage point this new tree was obscured, though its branches stretched overhead, longer and more angular than those of the other trees around us. It was akin to Louise Bourgeois’ “Mother” as it revealed itself, though slightly more difficult to understand.
“Dude, It’s a F@*kin tree” No seriously this thing is what Tolkien nightmares are made of, making the tree in Poltergeist look like Fozzie Bear as it came through the window about to eat the child. Completing the illusion, somehow its overwhelming hulk has been entrapped in a cage of birch trees, straining to restrain the beast as its arms reach over head.
The surrounding birch trees are quite evenly spaced creating the impression that they are not the result of nature’s scattering. At some point in time someone cared enough about this beast of chestnut tree to imagine its future, after their own time has run out. To prevent it from keeling over, they designed a solution that has until today sustained the life of their tree.
There was only time to take two quick photos before we had to leave, which was in a way a relief. The sensation of being there is intense. As you stand you can feel the ground start to grip your boots as the growth springs back around them. Yet the desire to go back and explore and make more photographs is strong.