What If Trees Can Talk

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When the leaves fell and winter came, the trees did not stand naked against the sky and cry for mercy. They called to one another, as trees do, urging each other to stand together. Together, their leafless limbs called out, we can weather Arctic storms and Polar chills. Together, we are strong.

And snow fell and covered the earth in its virgin blanket and the sun beamed and the moon sang a song of the seasons turning, turning as the earth spun and the stars pricked holes into the dark of night so they too could watch the storms of winter pass through.

And the trees stood strong, together. They whispered amongst their kin, ‘Dig deep. Dig deep’. And they thrust their roots ever deeper into the frozen ground as the storms howled and snow fell and their sap ran slower, slower but always enough to carry the breath of life flowing inside their weathered trunks.

And the winds blew and the seasons changed and spring arrived with its beguiling invitation to blossom and flourish.

And tiny seeds poked their heads out of the earth and the sun welcomed them with its golden beams full of warmth and growing light. And buds appeared on the trees’ many branches and slowly, ever so slowly beneath spring’s warm kisses, they blossomed and flourished.

When winter came the naked trees did not cry out for mercy. They stood together and weathered the storms and when spring came, as is their nature, they blossomed and flourished again.

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About the artwork:

I have been exploring creating stamps. What fun! I carved the large leaf stamp, printed it with black ink onto a very sheer piece of pale pink rice paper. After creating the background, I affixed it to my journal page and then painted it with acrylic ink.

I also collaged in a piece of woven white rice paper and a pansy I had dried at the end of summer.

I love exploring, ‘what if’s’…

The ‘what if’ for this journal page was, “What if trees can talk?” According to Robin Wall Kimmerer author of Braiding Sweetgrass, they can. I like that belief.

The photo is of two stamps I’ve carved.

17 thoughts on “What If Trees Can Talk”

  1. I believe that trees can talk. I listen to the rustle of leaves as they undulate in gentle breezes. I listen to the needles of firs and pines as they stand at attention to swirling winds. They tell me it is okay to go for a walk, enjoy the outdoors, breathe fresh air. And then there are the bending branches warning of incoming storms, telling me to stay indoors, in the warmth by the fireplace.
    Yes, trees can talk.

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    • Thanks Bernie — really fun and addicting. I used Rubber stamp carving blocks. They come in various sizes. these are the ones I bought on Amazon – “Rubber Block Stamp Carving Blocks Stamp Making Kit with Cutter Tools, 5-Pack Carving Rubber Stamps for Printmaking, Printing and More”- often in art shops they’ll be in the section with Speedball products.

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