- What does this installation evoke for you? Does it inspire you? What emotions does this piece elicit?
Right off the bat, I’d say this piece breaks my heart. These dead trees that were once flourishing, lively parts of the environment, are now dead. The contrast reminds me that if we don’t change our lifestyles the green trees we love and admire now will also die. The piece makes me feel embarrassed, which is an emotion I haven’t felt when reflecting on climate change. We, as a society, did this, and we need to be the ones to fix it.
2. What do you think was the artist’s intention in installing this piece in the center of a Manhattan park?
I think seeing the green trees contrasting the dead ones is genius. It makes me appreciate the trees that are living much more, and want to cherish them. I also think the idea of putting this installation in the middle of Manhattan was to allow people to slow down. We all get so caught up in the hustle culture we now live in that we forget that we are in the middle of a climate crisis that we caused. I think installing this piece in the middle of a Manhattan park allows people the opportunity to reflect, slow down, and realize the bigger picture.
3. What is your earliest memory of an encounter with a bird song?
Growing up in Tennessee, I’m sure I’ve experienced bird songs far before I can even remember. However, I do remember visiting DollyWood and their “Wings of America” exhibition at a very young age. This was when I first really understood birds and the songs they sing. Ever since then, I’ve been aware of bird songs.
4. In your childhood, did you ever come up with or hear of an audacious idea to solve climate change? What was it?
Unfortunately, no. Climate change was never discussed, ever. When it was discussed it was either being “debunked” or laughed at where I’m from. Once I took the time to actually educate myself, I was shocked that I wasn’t taught this in school at a younger age.
5. What was your childhood connection to nature? Has the pandemic inspired a reconnection to awe, to trees, to skyscapes, wildlife? Please describe with details.
I had an amazing childhood with nature. When I think of my childhood, I think of green. Forrests, hills, cross country, hiking, picnics, walks, playgrounds, and more. I was constantly outside. My connection to nature has always been strong. Now, it’s from a place of gratitude and respect and love, but as a child it was from a place of pure love. Being outside set my little soul on fire. I could stay outside for hours and never be bored. I always loved going up to the mountains and seeing the wildlife, bodies of water, and especially watching the leaves change. As I got older, my connection faded away. I got so caught up with school and friends, nature became something that was just in the background. Coming home due to the pandemic, I completely reconnected with nature. Once again, I would spend hours outside. Going on long walks, hiking, reading, meditating, and, my favorite, enjoying the view from my backyard. The pandemic was when I began to understand/wake up to the concept that the earth is my home. I can’t take and take and take and never give back or expect it to never change. I now enjoy nature with love like I did when I was a little girl.
the view for my backyard