For the last few months I’ve been busy collecting stories. Want to know why?
The project I’m currently working on, Tree Stories, is leading up to an exhibition that will showcase new paintings and unique handcrafted jewellery inspired by your stories.
Trees are more than just part of the landscape; they are keepers of our memories, and connections to special moments and people. As an artist, I believe in the power of storytelling through art and jewellery, sparking conversations and sharing personal tales. This project will be inspired by you and your memories and I invite you to share your tree stories with me. Whether it’s a memory from your youth or a favourite spot you visit for peace, your stories will shape my art and I’ll be creating jewellery and paintings in response to each of your tales.
I’ve had some enchanting stories shared with me from my social media followers and newsletter subscribers which I’m excited to share a sneak peek with you now. These memories will inspire my next pieces and the full stories will be displayed in the exhibition alongside their artwork.
The Stories…
The first story was told to me by a girl and her father who I met at one of my Jewellery Pop-Ups in spring..
When she was a little girl she used to get bored at her grandparents house, so her dad found these little egg shaped marbles and they looked super magical. The girl was fascinated by dragons and so her dad used to go and hide these “dragon eggs” around her grandpa's orchard for a treasure hunt, this made her super excited to visit. She told me that she was at an embarrassing age when she realised that they weren’t really dragon eggs! I thought that was so cute.
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This second story was from a lovely lady over a cuppa at The Courtyard. She even brought photos along!
Helen moved into a little cottage many years ago and above the staircase was a round window where they could see a huge oak tree. She told me that was their view for years and it was lovely to see this tree through different seasons, lighting and times of day. They even used to watch birds nesting there. Sadly the tree had to be cut down for new roads to be built. She told me she was sad because it felt like no one else was going to miss this tree and they might be the only ones who’d miss it because they had enjoyed it every day.
Luckily Helen had taken photos of the tree over the years, so now she have those memories framed next to the window. So even though the tree isn’t there anymore she can still look over to that spot and see the tree they loved so much.
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And finally, my tree story!
A few years back, whilst visiting my folks in Yorkshire, I helped my dad uproot a magnolia tree they no longer wanted. After squeezing it into my boot, and a 200 mile drive with a tree hitching a ride, we planted it in my Herefordshire garden. Not only does it look beautiful, but it holds special memories of home and family.
That’s what the Magnolia Tree means to me, but the endurance and strength of these trees have also made them a symbol of everlasting love and connections, which I think is really lovely.
Storytelling is such an important part of human nature and this project is reminding me of this more and more. Your stories are what make this project truly special, and I can't wait to create more art inspired by your cherished memories.
Reach out and share your tree stories to be part of this special exhibition:
SHARE YOUR STORY
Keep growing,
Some helpful links:
Check out June’s blog post - HERE
Connect with me on Instagram
Browse my Signature Series
Sign up to my newsletter - HERE