Artist Statement
GLAMOROUS (2022)
Glamorous explores a narrative of womanhood through the latent and manifest symbolism of trees. Created from a bank of imagery shot in various woods around the North East of England, images of branches and foliage are reflected, creating a dramatic new form.
This body of work adopts kaleidoscopic aesthetics that represent an intertwining of realms and time. This might be read as a metaphoric visualisation of the past and present, young and old or feminine and masculine. The point of intersection generates entirely new visuals, often resembling webs, structures, portals, and in some cases, beings.
The interwoven network of branches has no beginning or end, bridging one space into another. It speaks of sharing knowledge and the circle of life. It suggests the importance of connecting with others and Mother Earth.
The visualised networks reflect the underground root system of trees, the mycorrhizal network, whereby nutrients and minerals are shared for the greater good. Trees communicate through this hidden network. Saplings, vying for life under the canopy's shade, are given water by their established neighbours and relatives. As the oldest and most prominent in the forest, hub trees have deeper roots and can access more water and minerals. Not only do they share with the saplings, but also with diseased trees, supplying much-needed nutrients. These are mother trees, and the system has stood the test of time.
In 18th-century Scotland, glamour meant ‘magic, enchantment’, particularly about ‘casting the glamour’. These are terms better associated with the culture of the witch than with beauty standards, to cite its current meaning. Glamorous reminds us of the history of the witch but specifically their role as healers and midwives, which is often overlooked.