Ghost Tree
Ann Silverman (Columbus, OH)
Handmade paper, bark and hand-written text, 14” W x 33” H
*** Best in Show Award Winner ***
Artwork:
I grew the paper fiber, made the paper, spun the paper, and knitted it into the form of a tree trunk. The tree, made of bark, is entwined by a text thread that reads 'hanging by a thread'. The artwork embraces both my activity as an artist and my recognition of the perils surrounding the woods around me.
Artist Statement:
I am a papermaker and I live in the woods. I made this work in response to a horrendous wildfire some time ago. There have been so many horrendous wildfires since then I cannot remember which one. The human built environment continues to push against the natural environment. One of many examples is that above ground parking prevents water infiltration, which threatens our aquifers. As humanity's needs and desires increase, so should our care for the environment, which we need above all, increase. I have an invasive shrub that threatens the health of the woods that surround me. I work to pull that out. At the same time I grow a patch of paper mulberry (ironically, also invasive) and I work hard to contain it into that one patch. The movement in my practice from the dirt of harvesting, through the water of making, to the receptive surface of a piece of paper is essential to my process and my pleasure. There is work involved in the care of our natural environment as we move forward.