TreeStory x Everyday

This month we worked with artist Lizzie King to deliver 4 free sessions of alternative photography activities that focused on local trees and nature; giving families the chance to get creative together over the summer holidays.

We don’t always have the time to stop and appreciate the greenery around us but there is definitely a lot of it as over 70% of the Wigan Borough is designated Green Space! Through these summer sessions we expanded our awareness of the natural wonders that are on our doorstep in a fun and mindful way. 

We started the project with a walk over to the church gardens to snap some photographs and experiment with thermal cameras. These came together in a collaborative poster of our findings.

First session photography and poster making

Cyanotype process and prints

Over the next weeks sessions we explored different alternative photography techniques like Cyanotype and Anthotype. Cyanotype uses a solution of iron salts that react to UV light to create stunning blue images.

Whilst for our Anthotypes we utilised the light sensitive pigments in Spinach to make our images. Both camera-less techniques, sun prints are some of the earliest forms of photography!

Anthotype process using spinach

Using these slower ways of making images, something that is now so instant, reminded us that the process is the most important part of anything creative.

We also clipped a microscopic lens to our phones to snap some super close up shots of our natural materials, revealing the beautiful hidden patterns and colours within our local foliage!

Microscopic photos of local leaves and petals

Our final session for this project was sound tracked by the natural ambience of birdsong and weather sounds, the perfect vibe to accompany some photo weaving and carbon paper tracing. TreeStory was a wonderful way to wrap up the Summer months and start to welcome Autumn, with a new appreciation for our local plant and wildlife!

Photo weaving and carbon paper tracing

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TreeStory Wigan was delivered by Open Eye Gallery, dot-art and Wigan Council based on the success of a similar project in the Liverpool City Region. Both projects have been made possible thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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