CHIBA PREFECTURE / JAPAN
Arriving in Japan I had so much expectation of myself to find beautiful interesting trees in beautiful scenic places, knowing we had a month to explore the japanese hillsides I thought I would find them around every corner.
After ten days I had not found anything, not being able to read japanese signs while driving made it more difficult to search. Normally there are certain clues which help decide where I go to search for trees. I was having serious self doubt, in my ability, in my process and in the trip.
All hope felt to be lost, then we stopped for lunch.
We were perched between two mountains, on the side of the road deep in a valley full of trees, bees and weeds. Japanese Cypress were slowly making their way up the hillside and I decided to take a walk and follow their path to see where they lead me. As I ascended the smell of fresh spring pines flowed through the air, I started to jog up the hill to get a closer look.
Low and behold, sloping back over the ridge were young pines, scattering the forest floor were fallen trees and blankets of needles everywhere. I ran back to the van, spoke about my excitement and organised a new route in search of trees.
We searched for hours driving up, over and all around this mountain looking for something that would lead me in the right direction.
We pulled over after I saw a group of stacked juvenile Hinoki which were dried out. I knew I had found it. slowly walking over the crest my view was breathtaking and devastating.
The entire hillside was demolished, torn down and ripped from their footings. The land looked desolate, jagged slippery slopes from the lack of integrity in the soil, it was midday, the sun was beating down and not a shady patch of land was in sight.
I slowly worked my way through, searching for something unique, climbing and scratching my way across the landscape, holding on to bare roots and exposed rock until finally, it appeared.
Patiently walking though the hillside, quietly observing the grounds and surrounds. This tree showed itself, its shape truely unique.
The shape told its story, holding on to the steep cliff face for dear life, reaching high above to sunlight to pierce through its resilient needles.
Pine trees naturally grow vertical which is why they have become a staple in our society, strong and resillient, the root structure is what helps the tree grow to great heights. This particular tree held on, drawing strength from its roots, searching for integrity deep in the cliff face, exposing itself above the soil in a desperate attempt to live.
This is why this tree chose me, to tell its story through its growth rings.
This print for me was a giant break through, I want to travel the world and find unique trees everywhere I go.
This marked the way forward and has given me strength to trust my judgement and to persevere through times of doubt.
Seeing piles of trees stacked on top of each other reminds me look deeper and to recognise the beauty in everything.
We are all similar and yet all so different, it just takes the right perspective.
