This work re-animates an object by combining static display with active sound, pairing a chainsawed section of tree trunk with audio of a tree which has been knocked off of its axis and fallen into the arms of its neighbor. The creaks, groans, squeals, and shimmies of its body can be heard as the tree that cradles it moves in the mountain winds. The tree-remnant in the gallery appears to be completely inert, but once a listener puts on headphones she can start to feel the cellular movements of the tree’s body.

Photos: Tommy Bruce

Artwork information: 1.5' x 1.5' sculpture, 4:26 audio. Birch, audio. 2018, 2020.