Trees
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Tree symbolism.
I can recall my first favourite tree - it was a weeping willow tree that we planted in our backyard when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I was given the job of watering the tree and I took this role seriously - well for a few weeks at least! I can recall posing for photos in front of that tree over the years and watching in amazement as it magically seemed to grow taller - it’s arching branches seeming to envelop and protect all within its reach.
Trees have always had an important role for me - their symbols of strength and resilience - outstretching protection and unwavering shelter and shade.
The forested area behind our home in an early morning mist. (EXIF data f3.5, 1/500s, 90mm, ISO1000)
We had a huge park near my home where I grew up - it must have been about 10 city blocks and filled with trees - huge maples, elms and oaks. We followed the paths leading through the (at the time to me) giants and felt that nothing could ever find us there. When I returned to that park some 20 years later on during a visit to see my parents I was surprised with the changes - the park had been “naturalized” in that the grass between the trees was no longer mown and natural underbrush had been encouraged to grow. The childhood paths we followed were no more except to several play areas. The trees definitely looked like they approved of these changes and the “wild” look of this park certainly seemed more a natural part of the landscape than the more manicured previous version.
I think the health of our communities and our homes are reflected in the number and variety of trees we have around us. One of the things that attracted Kory and me to our new property was the number and diversity of the trees along with the “wild” wooded area behind the house. We like that we have been chosen to be stewards for the trees in our area and we take this role seriously.
Grounding
Tree at the end of the valley where I go for a local photography walk. (EXIF data f8, 1/100s, 105mm,ISO110)
Trees have such a powerful pull for me as they stretch up into the sky with branches seemingly outstretched to embrace everything close by. The delicate buds in the spring shifting to the first green of new leaves - evolving to the lush canopies of summer growth and then the wonders of the autumn colours. I love the autumn here in Alberta, however nothing quite compares to the multicoloured wonder of an Ontario or East Coast autumn with the maple trees, sumacs and other brightly coloured offerings.
In fact many of the art pieces that Kory and I have collected over the years have trees as a central theme - there must be something to that. We even purchased a tapestry of the Tree of Life and when I look at it - I can feel the grounding of strong roots.
I feel the rootedness and the solid stability of a strong foundation that travels deep into the earth and connects us with nature. I often find myself enthralled with trees when I’m out with my camera and I will keep going back to the same tree - trying to capture something that I feel when I look at it - that essence of protection, stability and steadfastness.
There is a pine tree at the end of valley near my home that fascinates me - I have photographed it during the various seasons and find that it looks best cloaked in snow or hoar frost (as in the photo seen here) or in an early morning mist that shrouds it’s branches and isolates it from the surrounding landscape.
Trees from Africa
Morning misty moodiness in the Masa Mara. (EXIF data f8, 1/250s, 90mm, ISO2000)
When we went to Kenya a few years ago (Kenya blog and Kenya gallery) I was fascinated with the trees we saw - in some areas like Tsavo the trees sprouted out of old black lava flows and their ability to thrive in this environment seemed truly amazing. The contrast of the dark earth and the lush green leaves - providing shelter and food for numerous animals.
The vegetation was considerably different in Amboselli with sparse areas of trees and wooded glades - so much of the area was wide open or marshy with the occasional treed glen.
This contrasted with the Mara and its lone trees in the middle of the grasslands - the morning mists shrouding the solitary figure standing alone, but strong. I was fascinated by the trees and spent a lot of time photographing them as well as the animals. They were an integral part of the landscape and our experience of Kenya.
Old growth forests
Old growth trees in the Khutzeymateen.(EXIF data f6.3, 1/1600s,600mm, ISO1400)
In Canada we are so very fortunate to have some of the last areas of old growth forests in our British Columbia coastal region - areas that we need to protect and encourage as they contain unique ecosystems and such a diversity of birds and animals. Our visit to the Khutzeymateen last July was amazing for the birds, bears and aquatic life we saw, however the real stars were the trees. Such pristine old growth forests with stories to tell us in their crooked trunks and branches.
There was something quite spiritual about being in their presence - especially in the late afternoon/early evening when we would be out kayaking. Dipping our paddles in the water and then just gliding along underneath an overhang of tree branches close to the shore. Watching kingfishers darting along from tree to tree and bald eagles almost hidden from view.
Kory and I found these moments particularly special to share and savour - they made us feel such a connected part of the forest and yet also such small insignificant figures in this ecosystem.
In her book Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard explores how trees are interconnected and communicate through their extended root and soil systems. I am fascinated with this idea which makes so much sense when I consider the way certain plants and trees thrive together. Forests are such magical places.
Scientists now are more willing to say that forests are complex adaptive systems, comprised of many species that adjust and learn, that include legacies such as old trees and seed banks and logs, and these parts interact in intricate dynamic networks, with information feedbacks and self-organization. Systems-level properties emerge from this that add up to more than the sum of the parts. (Finding the Mother Tree - Suzanne Simard)
Magical forests of NW British Columbia coastline. (EXIF data f6.3, 1/500s, 840mm, ISO125, -0.67EV)
Upcoming Tree Encounters
Autumn colours in our backyard. (iPhone image)
It may seem a bit odd, but this year I’m looking forward to new encounters with amazing forests and trees. I’m hoping to have an opportunity to photograph autumn colours in the eastern part of Canada this fall as I meet up with my New Brunswick photography artist friends. It will be the first time I’ve been back to that area in the fall in a number of years - I’m looking forward to the magic and hoping that I’ll be able to capture some of the wonder and awe that I remember from childhood days spent in Ontario during the autumn season.
In addition, Kory and I are heading the opposite direction this summer to Haida Gwaii - a group of islands off the northern coast of British Columbia with strong cultural significance for Canada and the indigenous community. It is the land of old growth forest where the Haida nation and many non indigenous members of the community fought for over a decade to have the islands protected from logging and declared a National Park in order to preserve the forests, land and marine areas for future generations.
The local indigenous community traditions and culture is inextricably linked to the trees which were used to build ocean worthy canoes and totem poles among other things. Artist Emily Carr who I have always had a fascination with, travelled to many remote communities at the turn of the century to paint the landscape and the cultural artefacts that were left after smallpox epidemics almost wiped out the Haida community.
Connection - a core value
It is no wonder that I have such an affinity for trees when connection is one of my core values. The ability to spend time in such spiritual locations feels like an amazing privilege and connects me to those trees of my childhood where I put down roots and made my solid foundation.
Do you have any special affiliations with forests or natural spaces that provide a deep spiritual connection or awareness? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or send me a direct message by clicking on the Connect With Me button.
Lichen and moss growing on the trees in our wooded area. (EXIF data f13, 1/100s, 60mm, ISO1000).
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
