Empaths, Environmental Art Activism, Co-curation & The Community Artist

A model of how a parade will look using toy models for planning purposes where women will carry a felled tree through the streets of Coventry. — Planning The Performance Action Parade Collectively

Walking Forest

I recently had the fantastic opportunity to reflect on my experience as a contributing textile community artist in Walking Forest while updating the projects section of my website. I hadn't fully processed this adventure; it had been so significant but had been swept from one community artist event to another. It's only now that I'm starting to appreciate its impact on me and the other women who participated in this environmental art activism performance and became my friends. A community artist needs their tribe -this was a co-curation honour and privilege.

Walking Forest is a 10-year art project that brings together activism, natural forest networks, and communities. Inspired by many things, including the words of Rainer Maria Rilke - 'The future must enter into you a long time before it happens' - Walking Forest aims to create an 'intentional woodland' in 2028 that will pay tribute to women activists past, present and future.

The Camp

My journey with Walking Forest began with an invitation to join thirty amazing women at a four-day camp in Coventry, in partnership with the City of Culture 2021. The camp, set in the beautiful Rough Close woodland on Coventry's outskirts, immersed us in the powerful connection between women, trees, environment and activism. During the camp, we had heartfelt discussions, engaging talks, leisurely walks, and shared delicious meals while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the woodland.

We were lucky to have inspiring visits from individuals like suffragette historian Sarah Richardson, environmental activist Melanie Moon, and MP for Coventry South, Zarah Sultana.

The experience was profoundly moving as I discovered a newfound awareness of ecological grief. Learning about environmental destruction and climate change in the comforting company of honest and supportive women opened up a floodgate of emotions I never knew existed within me. However, the unwavering support from the sisterhood around me gave me the strength to co-create a two-day performance action in Coventry.

Performative Action

A group of women in costume carrying a felled birch tree as part of a performance action to raise awareness of climate change. They are in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. — The Performance Reaches Coventry Cathedral For The Overnight Vigil

This was the first time I had been involved in performative arts; being a proud introvert, it was to be a challenge that brought both tests and joy.

The ultimate final performance we co-curated, a powerful display of activism, saw us parade through the city streets carrying a felled tree as a symbol of love for the planet and dedication to future generations. Our costumes, designed with practicality and packed with symbolism, paid homage to the suffragettes and featured elements reflecting our deep connection to the natural world. The tree we carried was a birch, felled in Coventry to make way for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link. The birch tree became a compelling symbol of our message to the city with its rich folklore associations with renewal and loss.

Changed Forever

Two women with their backs to the camera carrying a silver birch tree on their shoulders holding each other around the upper torso to achieve the lift and help each other. — Practising Carrying The Felled Silver Birch - Mycelium Fully Developed

The experience with Walking Forest has left an indelible mark on me, igniting a passion for environmental activism and a profound connection to the natural world. As we continue on this journey, I am filled with hope and determination, knowing that our actions speak louder than words and that we can make a real difference for our planet and future generations.

I now see how this project changed my artistic practice and significantly fuelled the small flame concerning protecting this planet.