Climate Conversations Installation Mock-up

Climate Conversations Installation Art of Memory Tree

The installation features art banners, hanging in a public space, with large-scale images of tree drawings and other botanical-themed art. The viewer will experience a walk-through physical encounter with the banners, which could hang at torso level, depending on the location. Our goal is to invoke in our viewers personal memories of trees and the impact trees have had in their lives, such as a childhood memory, or a cherished tree. The banners will also include text of memories gathered from the public at previous installations. This proposed installation for CIAF is part of an ongoing, interactive project, also called ‘Climate Conversations’, that uses art and natural artifacts to collect and document viewers’ memories of trees. Please see the ‘Details of our creative practice’ section below for more information. 

Our goal is to collect over 1,000 memories in 2023.

We plan to hang multiple (8-10) six-foot high, translucent banners, in a staggered formation to allow the public to mingle among them. We’ve provided a mock-up of the banners hanging in the trellis-covered walkway in Romare Bearden Park, as an example. Other locations would work as well, with stand-and-pipe hanging structures. The synthetic fiber, likely from Rose Brand, is strong and lightweight, so they will move in a breeze, but allow for intense public interaction.

• Tree drawings on the banners are by fine artist Wil Bosbyshell

• Botanical-themed fiber art created by fiber artist Maura Bosbyshell

• Database and data points summarizing past memories provided by Maura Bosbyshell

We will use signage with prompts to solicit memories, which viewers will share via a QR code. The QR will take them to a landing page on Wil’s website where they will enter their memory and see those of other viewers. Examples of prompts include, ‘Do you have a favorite tree or tree memory from your childhood?’ and ‘When was the last time you climbed a tree?’ On the landing page, viewers will also be able to upload a photo relating to their memory.

In addition, signage will provide ‘fun facts’, ie interesting data points and examples of past responses to viewers; for example,

The following locales outside the US are mentioned when referring to favorite trees (all memories were collected in Charlotte):

• Jamaica (mango tree)
• Japan (willow)
• Kenya
• Morocco
• Trinidad (mango tree)
• W. Africa (palm tree)
• Spain (chestnut)

The objective of the Climate Conversations project is to use art to provoke memories and stimulate thinking about the impact and importance of trees. The project itself is not scientifically based, nor does it focus on future actions to save trees. Instead, it is more personal, seeking to elicit personal memories. We use art to get to the ‘why’ more so than the ‘how’. We know we are successful when people linger in an installation.

Each installation features site-, audience-, and event-relevant programming. Consistent components include public interaction, fine art, fiber art, and the collection and display of tree-related memories. We often curate multiple artists and offer public programming. The project can include single and multi-day as well as interior and exterior displays.

Past installations for the Climate Conversations project include:

a) Resident Artist show at the McColl Center (2021) – We premiered the Memory Tree, a tree/large branch where viewers write memories on tags and hang them on the branches. Hence, we began collecting memories from viewers.

b) Earth Day Charlotte ’22 – Since Earth Day is family friendly, we include a hands-on art component for young children. We displayed tree disks, slices of tree trunks that have been cut down, to discuss loss of trees. The tree disks also provided a tactile aspect. We are currently planning for Charlotte Earth Day ‘23.

c) Gallery 206 (2022) – This installation was a key part of the organization’s month-long Creation Care program. We curated an art show with an environmental theme, which served as a fundraiser for the program. We co-lead a youth tour of the art exhibit, discussing environmental impacts in their lives and in the future. We also lead an adult program by sharing examples of memories we had collected.

We are artists whose art is rooted in a love for the natural environment, and our intimate but often unconscious relationship with it. Our 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 a daily consciousness is at the heart of our creative process. We hope to instill the public with a more personal relationship with trees—leading to greater understanding of their importance in the local ecosystem, the planet, and the spiritual place they hold in the world.

Climate Conversations: Creation Care at Gallery 206

The Climate Conversations: Creation Care at Holy Comforter exhibit in Gallery 206 has gotten off to a great start. Maura and I lead an artist talk and tour of the exhibit. Maura put on her Data Scientist hat and shared the Memory Tree data we have gathered from the previous exhibits. The most mentioned tree for the Memory Tree installation is Willow. This has been a great exhibit to curate. 

 

A Prayer for Mother Earth on Mother's Day

A prayer for Mother Earth on Mother's Day

God by whom our fragile earth is blessed,
make us servants of your creation,
respecting and protecting all that you have made.

Teach us the joy of field and flower,
the splendour of forest and tree,
the grandeur of ocean and river.

Make us yearn for a world where all may flourish.
Show us how to walk gently on the earth and
hold all in trust for future generations.

Watercolor on paper, 8 x 10, Mountain to Sea Trail Misty Morning

Climate Conversation Drawing 16

 

This drawing is on watercolor paper. It is the darkest of the series so far.

Conversations:

I last climbed a tree as a child in my parents’ backyard.

My favorite tree was my neighbors’ tree with a tire swing

The future feels bleak, but thanks for trying, trees.

Trees absorb a great deal of water! Drawing 15

Climate Conversation: My favorite tree is the willow oak in our front yard in Fourth Ward. It shaded our home for 40 years. We pruned it and raked its leaves all the time. When it came down, we had to add a sump pump under our house to handle all the water it absorbed [had been absorbing].

Drawing 15, 30x20 inches, graphite on paper

Drawing 15 Complete!

This is drawing 15 in the Tree Series I am working on. It is part of a future exhibit I am calling Climate Conversations. This is 22 x 30 on printing paper. 

The left edge of the tree is almost lost and very light in value. The tree has a very scarred texture. Looks like many nails were driven into the tree in the past. Many circular marks as well that I found fascinating. This was a combination of trees on the Penland Property. 

Climate Conversation Exhibit

The 1st of many Climate Conversation Exhibits. The McColl Center Take-Over show allowed me to test out a few parts of the concept. This included drawings, 3D public interaction, fiber and process sketches. Eventually I would like this to be a group exhibit with other artist interested in climate issues. 

Large fiber pieces. 

Public interaction about how climate effected folks or their favorite memory of a tree in their life. 

 

Large Scale Tree Series drawing in the works!

This is a 3 x 4 foot drawing on sketch paper which is in process. It's about 50% complete. I began this drawing in Penland and have continued working on it at my studio at the McColl Center. This is the largest drawing I have done in this series to date. 

 

Tree Series: Drawing 14 Complete!

Here is Tree Series Drawing 14! While I was at Penland School of Arts & Craft in the NC Mountains this summer I began expanding and experimenting with my Tree Series. For this drawing I choose to use a very textured and lightly colored paper. All previous drawings in this seresin had been on white, 18 x 24 sketch paper. 

I took the paper into the woods near Spruce Pine NC and rubbed it onto a tree in several places. Then I went back to my studio and enhanced the natural texture. I decided to show the most detail in the middle of the tree trunk and allow the details to fade toward the edges. 

Trees on a Billboard Let's Hope

The above is my entry to Art Pop for 2020. I hope I get in. Below is the statement I wrote to go with it. 

My art has been informed by climate change, the public’s familiarity with drawing and the universality of trees.

Using graphite drawing, textured rubbing, and gestural marks, which look spontaneous but in fact, carefully placed. Intense texture-heavy areas allow for what a tree feels like. My drawing allows for artistic freedom while stimulating the mind to what branches may even smell like.

Our community sees trees as an abstract concept, and not as important for each neighborhood’s natural space, parks and greenways. I hope my drawings, exposed to thousands of people in the Charlotte area through Art Pop, will diffuse climate and nature into Charlotte’s soul as well as the community’s discourse.

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell 

Tell us about Komen Fireworks? 

My architectural work focuses on the interaction between architectural silhouettes and the surrounding sky (or fireworks). I seek deep shadows at night, and then transform architectural detail into massive shapes against the shadows and light. I like to achieve unique perspectives from common, but overlooked vantage points.  

Where are you from? What brought you to Charlotte? (or if from Charlotte, what has kept you here?)

I was born in Florida, but spent my first and many subsequent summers in Banner Elk. Being a kid from Florida, you head to North Carolina for the cool air so you can wear a jacket and socks. After spending my summers in NC at camps like Camp Kanuga and Camp Cheerio, I finally moved here in 1992. 

What is your opinion of the Charlotte art scene?

It’s picking up at a steady rate; I wish it were faster! The range of art expression in venues, events and exhibitions like The Charlotte Art League, C3, Goodyear Arts, Elder Gallery, the McColl Center and The Mint is very exciting. I’ve been part of the Charlotte art scene for decades, and I can say that right now, Charlotte has many talented artist’s with a lot to say! 

What is your favorite or most inspirational place in the Charlotte area?

I like nature and being outside, so the US National White Water Center is awesome fun. Camp North End is a great combination of art, music and food and interesting architecture as well. The Mint’s awesome exhibitions of local artists recently have been a great edition to more it’s more national shows. I love the Mint’s 4th floor! 

What inspires you? What inspired this piece/idea?

I am inspired by what I observe and experience in real life. That can include the texture of bark on a tree or the dramatic light and color of fireworks or a camp fire. Reality is beautiful and fascinating.  

How did you start making art?/Why do you make art?

I was drawing before I can remember; I can’t stop myself from drawing and painting. I failed 2nd grade because I was drawing instead of paying attention. My life works better if I can get to my studio and draw! 

Who are your biggest influences?

Andrew Wyeth is so amazing as an artist; his watercolors are full of life and spontaneity. Locally, Andy Braitman and Harris Holt really influenced me as an artist. 

How have you developed your career?

Teaching art makes me a better artist. Being around other artists at the Charlotte Art League keeps me on my toes! 

How do you seek out opportunities?

I try to be open and listen to what is going on and to that voice in my head saying, “create”. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Lead an ordinary life and make extraordinary art!” Cornel Rubino said that to me in a class I took with him. 

What is the biggest challenge you face professionally?

To stay focused on the art and make the time to get to my studio. 

What is your dream project?

I am looking to leverage the Tree Series in partnership with an organization to help bring awareness and change in behavior with regard to climate issues. Potential partners can reach me at mbosbyshell@aol.com. 

Most people like and are familiar with trees, especially in Charlotte the “Tree City”. My Tree Series could be an entry point in the discussion about the complex issue of climate change. My Tree Series seeks to personalize trees to engage the viewer. I want my tree drawings, and the viewer’s understanding of how they relate to world climate events, to be universally accessible. The Series brings trees into our daily conversation so we can talk about climate change in a way that is personal to us. 

Mountain to Sea Trail Color Pencil Drawings Part 2

Just having a great time with these pastel sketches. They are 7 x 10 inches, so an easy small size. I am trying to complete in one or two sittings at my studio. For this one, I got down in the weeds or wildflowers so to speak! 

Mountain to Sea Trail Color Pencil Drawings

Maura and I went hiking along the Mountain to Sea Trail near Sparta, NC. This is where the trail runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Easy access! Then we went to the Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs for a glass of wine! Wonderful day. 

These are fun patels in my sketchbook. More flat areas of color than my normal paintings. 

Drawing 11 in the Tree Series in Honor of Earth Day 2020

Drawing 11 in the series is pretty bold. No branches, no leaves, just texture. There are two pine trees in the drawing, one was struck by lightning. The edge of the bark was really fun to work on. 

Earth Day 2020 was last week.  I want my tree drawings, and the viewer’s understanding of how they relate to world climate events, to be as universally accessible and familiar as elementary school art class.

I hope that this Tree Series brings trees into our daily conversation so we can talk about climate change in a way that is personal to us. I share my work with others to provide common ground to work toward common purpose.

Tree Series to date - 10 drawings

  The Tree Series so far. Drawing 1 to 10.

Tree Series: Drawing 10 complete

I am spending as much time as I can doing art during the pandemic. Mainly to to keep my mind in a positive area. Nature is important and vital, so it is worth the time to spend capturing its beauty and subtly. Here is drawing 10 of the Tree series. I worked on adding more 3D elements to this drawing through two cut off branches. This tree had a great deal of moss on one side as well. The different textures of bark, moss, scare tissue are what is fascinating about these trees.

Drawing 9 in the Tree Series

Here is drawing 9 in my Tree Series. There are a few things I am happy about in this drawing. One is the dead branches that change texture on the right. Also the knot in the truck came out well. The multiple rings were fun to draw. The knot is almost a scare on the tree. This is a tree in the Cone Forest near Blowing Rock, NC.

Tree Series to Date

The Tree Series has 8 drawings now.

Vicarious Exhibition Photos

The Vicarious Exhibition opening reception was very well attended! My Weight drawings were displayed in the center of the gallery, hung Japaneses scroll style with magnets. After my talk people gravitated to the center drawing saying it was positive and uplifting.