Trees & Roots: Kristin Miller and Jan Bednarzyk

TREES & ROOTS

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Kristin Miller

Forest

Statement:
Trees and Roots

Representative

Kristin Miller

detail

I was astounded by a sudden and ferocious windstorm that hit Gabriola Island on Remembrance Day. The big fir trees thrashed and flailed in a blizzard of spiraling maple leaves. Branches cracked and went flying through the air. Experiencing the fierce, uncontrolled energy of the wind was scary and exhilarating.

Techniques: Improvisational machine appliqué using scraps, threads, and yarn.

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Jan Bednarzyk

Statement:

Trees and Roots

Abstract

Jan Bednarzyk

I am fascinated by the hidden world under the trees.  Recent research has shown that trees "communicate" with one another using chemicals and symbiotic fungi. This piece is intended to compliment the piece by my partner Kirsten that shows the above ground portion of trees.  

detail: Surprise - goddess of the tree

Techniques: discharge, paint, free-motion quilting.

Process: Janet's communication to Kristin:

"As I understand the theme of the show one artist is to do a representational

piece and the other an abstract piece starting from the same place.
I had mentioned to Vivian that I am exploring images of tress which speaks
to the portion of the tree that is below the surface where there are
neuro-chemicals which are used to "communicate" from one tree to the next.
I am thinking of using portions ( a vertical slice) of the attached image of
an amazing tree system and developing it in the blue and yellow theme.

A possible title for the work might be tree communities or tree talk.

In your piece the red leaves could be symbols of the dialogue.  Really not
sure about this... just brainstorming some ideas.  Since my piece is still
in my head I have lots of opportunity to adjust."

VK comment: Initial ideas represent an idea and may develop in a slightly different way.