Photographer Anna Beeke’s Sylvania series delves into the enchanting essence of US woodlands, particularly in Washington state, where she captures the mystical ambiance of the surroundings. Her images showcase woodcutters immersed in their work, the haunting remains of a felled trunk, and gothic ferns thriving amidst dense growths of red cedar and western hemlock. Beeke’s work reflects the allure of shadowy and magical forests, serving as a reminder of the unstructured allure that lies beyond the boundaries of civilization.
One of her captivating photographs presents the Tree of Life, a massive spruce that has become a prominent feature at Kalaloch along the Pacific shoreline in Washington state. Remarkably, its roots extend across two sides of a cliff, creating a fairy-tale scene with muted organic tones punctuated by vibrant glimpses of humanity in the form of two children exploring the cliff’s edges.
Beeke’s series is part of Looking at Trees: New photography of trees, forests & woodlands by Sophie Howarth, a collection showcasing the works of 26 artists capturing arboreal wonders in various locations, including Iceland, Germany, Brazil, and Australia. Howarth emphasizes that these photographers draw inspiration from science, folklore, and mythology, transporting us from the demands of modern life back into a timeless world where nature encompasses and consumes our senses. The children in Beeke’s photograph, navigating through the enigmatic coastal canopy, undoubtedly appear immersed and enveloped in their surroundings.
