Twelve historic trees with a story to tell –  interpreted in abstraction by Pacific Northwest Artist, Harmony Thiessen.

I am thrilled to announce a new project for 2022-2023:        12 Trees of Whatcom County

I am on a journey into the forest, the mountains, backyards, and parks to find trees that have a story in Whatcom County.

Trees Live Here

Trees live here in abundance.  We have more than 328 species of birds living in or around them.

After sharing Prison Break in 2021, I waited for several months to discover what my next project should be.  Slowly I realized that my lifelong love of trees; tree bark, tree root, tree neighborhoods, tree to tree communication, mother trees, birds who live in trees, trees in a seasonal cycle, and trees who hold the stories of generations, was my next adventure.

I don’t want to copy trees limb by limb, but I do want to find a way to express the feeling I sense from trees. I want to hear the stories of those who have a favorite tree and why. Tree Respect – yep, I want to give them some of my love and respect by noticing, really seeing them with my whole being.

Trees Tell Stories

I will spend hours investigating where to go, visiting scores of trees, doing initial collages and sketches – listening. Really listening.

Our trees carry our history in their veins. While we move up, out, or away – they stay. They grow deeper. Storms rage and trees persist. They protect and love us with their shade.

My vision is to feature twelve trees of Whatcom County. Abstracted for sure, and representing different seasons. They have stories to tell about life, and we have stories to tell about trees. I can’t wait to hear them.