My contribution to the exhibition will include a sho
rt film and sculptural work that explores the history and mythology of ancient yew trees - in particular their relationship to Druidic and Christian sacred places, and their representation as a symbol of both immortality and death. There are yew trees in Britain of over 5000 years old: they are the oldest living things in Europe, and pre-date the Christian burial grounds in which they are usually found. With this in mind, in my work I hope to reflect on ideas surrounding grief and mortality in relation to religious practice, and the use of tree symbolism within different folklore.The film will be shot on Super 8 and will include visits to different sites of ancient Yews in Britain, as well as an attempt to propagate an ancient yew tree.
