Day 9: White Oak Part 2
The White Oak is one of the “noble trees,” as the park staff calls them. They are trees that have stood for generations before us and will likely remain for generations after we’re gone. Think about that.
The pace of trees is something I’ve been reflecting on throughout this residency. They move slowly—so slowly that they become silent witnesses to time. I often wonder what this tree has seen and felt over the centuries. I wrote about it on my very first day HERE, and it left such a deep impression that I returned to it to create a larger piece.
As always, I began by walking all around the tree. I photographed and observed it from both up close and far away, studying it from every angle. Then I chose a spot to sit and begin drawing. This time, I wanted to be more expressive with the graphite, letting contrast guide me more than fine detail. I followed the shifting shadows cast by clumps of leaves, using them to shape the rhythm and mood of the drawing.
Back in the studio, I began piecing together the elements that would layer over, under, and within the drawing. I added tree roots formed from modeling paste—a nod to the age and grounded wisdom of this grand oak. Then I wove in a map of Westerly from 1870. If you look closely, you can spot the name “D. Wilcox” printed on it. For those who view the piece in person, finding it will be part of the experience.
I have taken fewer photos, I think, because I am more in the flow, but here is what I did photograph…
