
When the Oak Spoke
Socially engaged site specific installation and live art intervention
Supported by Wadhurst Culture and Arts Council England
This two-year-long, socially engaged artwork culminated on midsummers day, 2019. It gave trees a voice - particularly the oak, an important symbol of Wadhurst - and revealed invisible forms of woodland communication.
Inspired by folklore and seasonal rights, When The Oak Spoke generates a dialogue between a community and its trees, building a sense of stewardship toward these generous giants, promoting conservation and exploring the interconnectedness of all living things.
I worked with many diverse local groups and developed a public learning and participation programme to highlight how vital woodland is to the future of our planet whilst celebrating the power of trees to inspire.
These collaborative discussions helped to shape the final artwork; a live art intervention ('Wassail for an Acorn' in collaboration with Gwyneth Herbert and Emma Joliffe) and an immersive site specific installation with concealed digital audio.
The project was featured on BBC One's evening news and the entire process is documented here:
https://whentheoakspoke.tumblr.com/
Photography, Lewis Noll + Jim Roseveare





























