Now comes artist Irene Stapleford with a showing of new work at Chalk Gallery in Newburyport, work that instantly caught our attention here at DP for its explicit understanding of trees as sentient beings and not as “forest resources” to be exploited. Chalk Gallery owner & curator Nina Tanis writes:
Irene Stapleford is moved by the powerful forms of trees, silhouetted branches, and skies. Her expressive landscape paintings embody the elemental nature of these improbable beings, celebrating their tall grace and quiet strength. Trees affect our quality of life yet are underappreciated: unsung climate change heroes, property value anchors, intelligent elders, and constant, gracious companions. Stapleford paints en plein air and appreciates how particular tree forms are available in our sightlines when we remember to observe.
A trio of images below, relayed from the announcement with permission from the artist:
TOWERING AVENGER (TISOPHONE)
SERENE PINE
ABUNDANCE AT ELEVATION
We are reminded of a few lines from Robert Frost:
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