As part of the project Gifts from the Sentient Forest I had the opportunity to return to the same pine in Äkäslompolo growing by the river right below Stena Cabins, the cottages we stayed in. The first time I visited the pine we performed for a video camera together every second hour for a day and night, and for my part I tried to play blues harp for the pine. (See documentation on the RC) This time I chose to write a letter to the pine, in Finnish, and I did of course record the act of writing on video, as I usually do. (See documentation on the RC, scroll down the page) Moreover, I made some experiments with a ‘frottage’ technique of sorts, on Japanese paper wrapped around the trunk of the pine. I tried first with a graphite crayon and then with some Chinese ink that a colleague (Satu Kalliokuusi) generously gave me, which worked much better. The snapshots below give you an idea. Now I plan to try the same technique with some of the pines in Kaivopuisto Park. Whether the traces are interesting enough to be displayed in some manner or work only as photos, remains to be explored.
Pondering with Pines - Miettii Mäntyjen kanssa - Funderar med Furor 