Rachel Spencer + Jillian Stone [In Transition]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agrilus planipennis | Emerald Ash Borer  +  Sciurus carolinensis | Eastern Grey Squirrel

The Northeastern American forest has seen numerous fluctuations. From a Native American managed landscape to a substantial clear-cut to the present day loss of our Ash trees, the forest is constantly taking new form and shape. The Emerald Ash borer infestation, though significant in scope, provides yet another opportunity for change. Around 70% of northeast Pennsylvania’s forests are made up of Ash trees. After the Ash Borer moves through, the canopy loss will allow for new species, no longer competing with the prolific Ash tree, to move in.

This piece looks backwards and forwards- to the past and future- simultaneously. By removing the bark of the dead Ash tree and painting the trails of the Emerald Ash Borer, we render the invisible visible, marking the act that killed the tree. The other side of the tree holds seed boxes for squirrels. As the squirrel caches the nuts, they are potentially planting seeds that can grow, thrive, and change the shape of our forests once again.