Trees AND Art are the Answer! – Julia George
Wil Bosbyshell is a local artist we recently partnered with and we loved this connection because he is also passionate about spreading awareness of the importance of trees! His work engages his audience to take a more personal look at trees. His studio right now is located at the McColl center in uptown. He does unique artwork by tracing trees and turning them into magnificent works of art. We had the pleasure of getting to know him at the recent Earth Day festival in first ward park. His exhibit encouraged people to reflect on their memories with trees and to share the knowledge of how trees show their age by rings of growth. We provided Wil with tree “cookies’ ‘ or slabs of wood to show the growth rings. Here’s some more information on Wil. Please feel free to check out his work!
What about trees inspired you to make them your focus with art?
My particular fascination with trees lies in my belief that trees are not proverbial abstract things but individual, living beings with personalities and stories to tell. Bringing those stories into daily consciousness is at the heart of my drawings. I am fascinated by the interaction between the texture of the bark, the natural design of the limbs and the depiction of scars left by time and weather. The drawings in my current series are complex so I can achieve an asymmetrical balance that stimulates our minds and invites us to develop our personal relationship with trees. I hope my drawings lead to greater understanding of their importance in the ecosystem and the spiritual place they hold in the world.
How long have you been practicing this version of your art?
I have drawn all my life. In kindergarten, I drew dinosaurs instead of learning my ABCs. My teachers bribed me to study Monday through Thursday by promising to let me draw all day Friday. I turned my artistic focus to pencil drawing in the past two years. Pencil really helps me capture the different textures of the different trees that I draw.
What is your favorite memory of a tree?
I grew up in Florida near the west coast surrounded by a lot of very tall, full longleaf pines. When the wind blew the pines made a whispering sound. I would fall to sleep at night listening to that soft, peaceful sound.
Anything else you want to add?
People are welcome to visit my studio to see my Tree Series of drawings at the McColl Center for Art in uptown Charlotte or on Instagram @wilbosbyshell.
Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/wilbosbyshell
