Guardians of the forest, a poem, and some prints.
Sidetracked Magazine Feature, Ash to Ashes course, and Limited Edition Prints.
Hey.
Autumn’s arrived, and the trees have turned colour, perhaps a little later than usual it would seem. These seasonal changes, some recent commissions, and time on a forest centred course, have meant nature has been at the forefront of my mind just recently. Read on to find out more …
Guardians Of The Forest - Sidetracked Magazine.
“Like an oasis, a makeshift camp appears: various wooden structures to shelter from the rains, areas to store pots and pans, small garden patches of edible plants and herbs.” - Extract from the feature.
Sidetracked Magazine just recently published a 12 page feature of my work, this included a collection of photographs and accompanying text I created for publication. The work was created alongside the indigenous led charity If Not Us Then Who? I’m really grateful to have this work in print, if the work piques your interest you can pick up a copy via the magazine’s site or in selected outlets.
The story titled “Guardians Of The Forest” covers the time I spent with the Guna people, having been invited to one of their island homes, Isla Soledad Mandinga. One of 400, small, and predominantly inhabited islands that exist just off the north coast of Panama, a short boat trip from the forested mainland. These islands and the lush forest on the nearby mainland form part of their ancestral territory, which they have protected fiercely and stewarded for generations.
“We are fighting because if they take this, where are we going to feed? They will remove our meat, remove our pharmacy, and take our produce.” - Ronel Morales.
Ash to Ashes - Listen to the wisdom trees.
Belonging.
At dawn or at dusk
Through the darkness and into the light.
You are here.
On those gentle, quite, still mornings,
sunlight piercing neighbouring leaves.
A mosaic of sprinkled stars.
You are here.
As the wind swirls around your branches,
leaves swish and sway musically,
an orchestral ensemble.
Whilst autumnal rains cascade down.
You are here.
Time spent besides you,
nestled at your base.
Enveloped by fallen leaves, brambles, Hazel our near neighbour.
Your trunk that forever reassuring support.
Roots momentarily visible,
before descending suddenly, disappearing deep into the soil,
a web of community and belonging.
We are all here.
Belonging: Written by Joel Redman
Belonging is a short poem I created among other texts having spent 5 days on a course at Dartington Trust titled Ash to Ashes. Exploring life, death, and writing with inspirational tutors and thinkers: a forest-centred creative course.
At dawn I would visit one particular tree, an Ash in the woods and wait for the morning light to appear, whilst in the evenings I would sit by this same tree once again through dusk as the daylight seeped quietly into darkness. This process continued for the entire week. I swam in the River Dart daily, and those of us gathered on the course shared our stories, poems, and thoughts, relating to personal journeys, the climate crisis, community, and belonging … whilst holding close our hopes and dreams for a healthier planet and sustainable future.
Duncan Passmore, Nick hayes - The Book of Trespass, and Anna Selby held the course. I would highly recommend visiting and exploring the various courses on offer at this unique venue, I was fortunate enough to be successful in applying for a bursary through A-N which supported my participation, which I am very grateful for.
I’m not exactly a poet or writer, though I’m enjoying the process of assembling these texts that have resonance with my work.
Limited Edition Prints.
A curated selection of images from stories I have worked on over the last decade, are available through my online shop as limited edition prints. The prints are available in various sizes and make great gifts. I’m offering a 10% discount on all artworks in the lead up to christmas, if this interests you then head over to my shop and quote “PrintDiscount” to receive the offer. 10% of sales will also go to the indigenous led charity If Not Us Then Who?
Thank you for tuning in to my Substack publication. Its great to have your support. Please reach out if you would like to collaborate, discuss a commission, or enquire about artworks.
Speak soon Joel