“The Way Through the Woods”
“The Way Through the Woods” Artist Statement
Mieko Hara
When was it? The first time I noticed the existence of these quiet giants? Some tower above you - way, way up - living things like ourselves, though it's hard to grasp the tree's way of life.
Their growing speed is barely perceptible from our point of view, yet somehow I understood right away trees were things to respect and to hold in awe: beautiful green giants with wise spirits, gentle and generous to other creatures on this planet. They can live for hundreds of years. some must have been through a lot!
I always enjoy walking through the woods. When I lived in Manhattan, I went to Central Park as often as I went to all those art museums. How I savored every season in that urban forest! When I lived in Sydney I was amazed at the size of trees in the Royal Botanical Garden. Now I am living in Douglas AZ - strolling through the woods in the Chiricahuas or walking through the cypress trees in the cemetery - these things fill my heart.
Growing up in Japan, I didn't take notice of the way trees were pruned - though perhaps I should say over-pruned! In Japan, it is true, there are traditional art forms - the way Japanese gardens are pruned, for instance, or bonsai - the growing of potted miniature trees to form beautiful living ornaments. But recent trips to my homeland have made me sad. Urban trees are over-pruned everywhere to the point that they look timid, ugly and short. There is no longer anything natural about them. instead of towering gracefully overhead, they now cower under government control. Is this a reflection of society?
I don't know why I am so sensitive about it but I am. Upon my return from two months in Japan last spring, I went into my studio and with overwhelming urgency, started painting trees. I've never painted this way before. I don't work from images or photos. These paintings arise spontaneously from my feelings about trees and nature and I make them with whatever acrylic and/or latex paints I happen to have on hand. I don't exert conscious control over the images. they evolve as they will, and sometimes become more abstract than representational.
I hope this work evokes in you your own personal memory of trees and reminds you of their importance to us, both aesthetically and environmentally.
I hope in walking amongst these gallery trees, you are reminded of a better place, one where all things grow without restriction and with lots of love and care.
