Apotropaic Trees

Apotropaic Trees, pen drawing and gouache, A3

This picture is a continuation of my thoughts about trees.  I mentioned in an earlier post that trees represent escape, safety or protection from life and people.  I often include trees in my work because they have always been a part of the escape from difficult situations that happen in life.  Many walks in the woods have given that peace and quiet needed.  It has been commented that the trees (and other objects) that I draw or paint are disturbing or frightening.  Maybe they need to be. 

This is why I call this work apotropaic.  I first encountered this word during the third year of my BA hons Classical Studies.  I studied Ancient Greek Art and Architecture for two years and part of this course involved researching and presenting my findings on a specific aspect of art or architecture including a slideshow.  The project given to me was to research the 6th/5th century BC Temple E at Selinus in Italy.  The sanctuary that surrounded the temple (and the others there as well) was surrounded with small figures of monsters placed in order to keep evil out and the sacred areas.  Churches and cathedrals have continued this tradition in the use of gargoyles.

To return to my trees, they represent a safe place and retreat from life's bad people/events or the things that are overwhelming.  Just like the monsters at Silenus, my trees are keeping the bad stuff out.