When I heard on the news that the tree had been felled, I felt so shocked and saddened. I didn't think about printing the tree until much later. I was contacted by a few people who asked me if I was going to print a round from the tree and I also noticed that the National Trust were gathering emails and responses from people who had loved the tree and were suggesting what could be done to commemorate it's life. I emailed the Trust to offer a print for a possible exhibition.
I print trees as it gives me a way to feel close to their lives and also reveals in visual form the mystery and love I have for them. I usually print rounds from trees that are fairly anonymous in the landscape, the ones easily passed by and in some ways to me this feels particularly special.
I was really pleased to be able to print Sycamore gap as part of it's legacy because I want to show and share the natural beauty of the tree itself and the life that it had.
It was my biggest tree printing challenge so far-although its not the largest piece- that goes to the village Oak- but sycamore is very fine grained and so I needed to work much longer on preparing the wood surface to be printable.
I sanded it for around 10 hours over a few days to make sure all scratches were removed and I had all the fine detail visible. The first day of sanding was at a National Trust location and it then took 4 of us to load it into my van to bring it back to my studio in Grizedale.
I continued working on the surface, and then burned it to create the grooves and lower areas.
Once burned I wire brushed it until all the ash was removed.
Then I sealed the surface with shellac.
Once I had completed the first test print to check everything was ok, the round could be moved up to my studio table. Luckily I can call on the Forestry England staff to help.
I use traditional linseed oil printing ink, which is rolled onto the surface of the wood in thin layers. I lay the paper on top, its 100% cotton and I keep it still with weights. Printing is done by hand with a small bookbinders tool, called a bone folder and I use this as it allows me to press a small area at a time, so that it's physically possible to apply the pressure needed. It's a slow process and each Sycamore Gap print took me 3.5 hours to do. I developed some larger arm and shoulder muscles over the weeks I worked on the 5 prints.
Now that the prints are on display to the public I hope it can be a positive next chapter in the way we feel about the tree and for me, all trees. What I hope the most is that the Sycamore tree stump puts out new shoots and begins to grow again.
3/9/24
It's been wonderful to hear and see that the tree has indeed started growing again, putting a few leaves and shoots in different places around its base.
7 comments
Love your work , it’s a wonderful way to preserve nature. Is the exhibition of the Sycamore Gap prints still on ?
Hi Shona – I just wanted to send a quick message to say that my husband has just bought me the life size blue print for my birthday. I am a woodland consultant based in Northern Ireland but I originally come from Northumberland and the Sycamore Tree is a landmark of home. The last time I flew into Newcastle airport, I followed the Tyne from the aeroplane window looking at lots of trees I had planted in the past then I spotted the Sycamore Tree which made my day. Only a few months later it had been felled. So, to have your print over here in Northern Ireland is a perfect reminder for me and I just wanted to say thank you. I plant millions of native trees here in NI and like you, love to be surrounded by nature and trees. I can’t wait to for our new print to arrive. Many Thanks Carolyn ( www.indiwoods.com)
Sadly cannot make it to Hexham to see your tree prints I’m gutted where else would the exhibits be shown in future.
Wonderful that you were able to print from the tree , will allow people with all those lovely memories to keep alive there memories..
Like some one else said will these be available to purchase, would love one to hang in our house.
Many thanks for sharing your great work .
Steve farr
I have just read the article in the National Trust magazine, about your work with the Sycamore Gap tree. I proposed to my wife under the tree and wondered if you will be selling copies of your prints.
Kind regards.