TREES THAT MAKE…

Craft In The Bay, Cardiff Bay. Sat 6 Apr-Sun 19 May

Trees That Make… is an exhibition focused on the use of natural materials in the making of art, specifically trees. Each artist included in the instalment not only uses a range of wood materials, but has also been inspired by everything that makes up a tree, from root to bark to leaves.

Contemporary art featuring only organic elements is nothing new, but Trees That Make… aims to take it to a new level simply by focusing on foliage. The heavy use of trees in each artist’s work evokes a connection to the natural that is hard to find in other forms of art.  Take Kathleen Littler’s work: her art is crafted with wood engravings, and many of her pieces are wooden snapshots of countryside life. Artist Jane Bevan, meanwhile, limits herself to found materials in the crafting of her art, giving it a very authentic and earthy look.

Trees That Make… isn’t just focused on more ‘traditional’ forms of art either. The exhibition allows for a wide range of approaches to creation, including weaving, woodblock print and carving. This allows for a varied selection of art that celebrates the woods.  In our always-online world, Trees That Make stands out as an attempt to connect us back to our roots.

Admission: free. Info: 029 2048 4611 / www.makersguildinwales.org.uk

words George Foster