If Trees Could Talk
What we are doing to the forests of the world is but
a mirror reflection of what we are doing
to ourselves and to one another.
― Chris Maser
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.
The second best time is now.
― Chinese proverb
Each year, CANVAS invites selected artists to reflect upon and explore the tension-fraught relationship between humans and nature, suggesting that if trees could talk (and we would listen), they would have quite a few things to say.
Roel Obemio / Trees Sonata / Acrylic on canvas
Two figures pay homage to three trees which represent the Philippine island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Narrative elements signify loss, both direct and consequent, to the ecosystem caused by negligent and careless human activity and politics. I want to hope for renewal but wonder if the damage is irreparable.
Jessa Balag / Paglambo / Oil on canvas
Humans have an insatiable hunger to use, diversify and transform natural ecosystems endlessly. They are uniquely capable of controlling fire, settling down because of agriculture, creating vehicles and even exploring space. The benefits are tremendous—and devastating, especially for the next generation.
Humans are planting the seeds for their own destruction. Ironically, that may be the online way the rest of the earth’s inhabitants survive.
Renato Barja Jr. / Ang Tuod at Ang Biyaherang Ibon II / Acrylic on canvas
Renato Barja Jr.
Ang Tuod at Ang Biyaherang Ibon I
Acrylic on canvas
Not a word was spoke between us there was little risk involved
Everything up to that point had been left unresolved
Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm
"Come in," she said
"I'll give you shelter from the storm"
Renato Barja Jr.
Ang Tuod at Ang Biyaherang Ibon (Ang Pagdating)
Vinyl, epoxy, acrylic, found objects
Renato Barja Jr.
Ang Tuod at Biyaherong Ibon (Ang Paglisan)
Vinyl, epoxy, acrylic, found objects
I imagined a love story between a non-bearing futile tree and a wounded bird who find shelter in each other. I was listening to Bob Dylan's album “Blood on the Tracks” (my favourite). One of the songs, “Shelter from the Storm” gave me the inspriation. The sensitivity of the words, and the meaning behind them, helped me form the idea. The images for my works followed and simply flowed in.
Jericho Moral / Back When Trees Were Tall / Acrylic on repurposed wood
The passage of time is nothing for an ancient one, as it keeps its oldest memories closest to its humming core. It remembers the forest filled with different breaths that lived and died before a new ring could etch around the widening girth. Its lines read like ripples of a dancing sun; but the days, it seems, are becoming shorter and shorter.
Noel Elicana / The Forest That Hears / Acrylic on canvas
Gaano kalalim ang mga binaong mga pasakit sa mga punong inosente. Nagmamaka-awa, Nananalangin na sana'y tao rin ay handang makinig.
Noel Elicana / See / Acrylic on canvas
Naka base sa pinanggalingan, pagkamulat ng kaisipan, at patutunguhan. Kung ang mga puno ay maaaring makipagusap, maibabahagi nito ang malawig na paglalakbay ng karunungan at pagkakakilanlan. Kasing lawak ng karagatan ang isipan nito, nasaksihan nya ang kasaysayan ng lahat. Kailanma'y hindi kayang paghiwalayin ang hininga nito sa sangkatauhan.
RV Basco / If Trees Could Talk / Acrylic on canvas
The long history of abuse of power and the effects it had on our nation is, to me, worth telling a story. The tales are etched on the bark of a tree long gone.
I started by creating a calm, dreamy and subtle environment. When I had pictured a scene of innocence I felt curious how things would turn out if I added a hint of shock. So I began sketching a little girl in front of a fading tree that had witnessed over 400 years of Spanish, American & Japanese colonialism plus, 20 years under the leadership of a scholarly overachieving megalomaniac.
While sketching the final details I felt the need to end the story with a book by Shel Silverstein. I think it was a way to reintroduce empathy into the picture.
Renz Baluyot / Framing the Horizon / Oil on canvas
We see you leave things like these three garbage carts. They are very much rusty and breaking down after years of use. They seem like they are resting, but we know better. They are going to be replaced, thrown out, and discarded who knows where?
You say you care about us and yet all we see are your endless and unnecessary waste! You say you are changing, that you becoming more responsible, and that things will get better. We say your optimism is misplaced. You remain careless and blind to the reality that the glass is almost empty.
Maverick Abac
The Axe Forgets What the Tree Remembers
Oil and acrylic on canvas
Unknowingly, those who speak tend to neglect the effects of their words. Their listeners don't. In truth, the axe forgets what the tree remembers.
Mark Jeffrey Santos
This Might Be Our Future
Acrylic on canvas
We humans are responsible for the deterioration the earth in many ways, one of which is causing the thickening of the the atmosphere.
When the world becomes uninhabitable, just like in outer space, we might need to wear helmets that emulate the earth's atmosphere in order for us to survive.
Daniel Uychoco / Naghihintay sa Wala / Oil on canvas
Kung ang mga puno'y makapagpapahayag ng saloobin, hindi natin masisilayan ang kanilang tinutukoy. Tanging ang mga iyak lamang nila ang ating maririnig.
Arnel Natividad / Heart Builds Home / Arylic on canvas
Trees build houses
Heart builds home
What ever circumstances
You're never alone.
Day and night
My Family, my only light
Like a tree that stand might
Another day we all call life.
Dante Lerma / Genesis / Acrylic on canvas