“Bay Communion”
“Bay Communion”
The TreeSpirit Project is an expression of my lifelong, passionate love affair with trees and the natural world.
The project began when I happened upon a 300-year-old coast live oak while hiking in Marin. Massive, with twisted, ancient branches filling the sky, this Grandmother Tree, inspired me to make a photograph to convey some of the awe and openheartedness I felt in her presence.
I place naked people in the TreeSpirit photos for many reasons: for scale; to evoke a timeless quality without the cultural cues of clothing; and especially to depict a vulnerability and intimacy between humans and nature that I feel myself when I’m with trees.
I consider myself fortunate that these images also move other people, apparently reminding and inspiring them to feel and enjoy their own personal connection to trees and other living creatures we humans are dependent upon for our very survival.
“Large Madrone”
“Oak Garden”
“Cypress Body 2” (left); “Granddaughter” (right)
Doff Your Duds and Hug a Tree
You can participate in the world’s biggest TreeSpirit photo, which will be staged in Marin on Sunday, April 23rd from 2-5pm. At least 100 participants are expected and all body types, sizes, ages, races and physical abilities are appreciated. For details, contact Jack Gescheidt. TreeSpirit photographs are on display at the Frantoio restaurant in Mill Valley (frantoio.com) through April 30. For more information, visit: TreeSpiritProject.com