Introducing Arrangements

A new series inspired by the natural world, with trees as our inaugural muse.

After a long hiatus, I'm returning to Substack this spring—a season synonymous with renewal and growth. As we welcome longer days and the warm embrace of the sun, spring is the perfect time for introducing a new chapter in my journey here.

My new series, "Arrangements," is a collection of thoughtful musings that revolve around a theme rooted in the natural world—from a single plant to entire ecosystems. This first volume, inspired by blissful spring weekends under the canopy of Griffith Park, is a contemplation on trees. It reflects the communal joy of park gatherings and the enchanting play of light through the leaves, elements that resonate throughout the list below.

So, grab your picnic blanket and a favorite book, and join me in a cool, shaded spot under a tree, as I share a few leafy gems. Together, we’ll rediscover the joys of spring and reconnect in this vibrant new season.

1. Set in the Cazón forest in Argentina, El Banquete del Bosque transforms dining into an immersive encounter with nature. Founded by Josefina Giménez Burló and Rafael Caporale, this unique gastronomic event starts with a cocktail crafted from local flora and leads guests on a guided foraging tour, culminating in a fire-cooked, six-course vegetarian feast in a secluded glade. The experience concludes with herbal infusions and floral pastries as the sun sets, offering a profound connection to the natural world.

2. The Order of Things by Nicolas Faure captures over a hundred analog photographs of Switzerland's precisely landscaped gardens. Faure's work peels back the delicate latticework and fences to reveal ornamental plants that often appear to strain against their confines—sometimes menacingly, sometimes with a silent promise of hidden wilderness beyond the suburban sprawl.

3. La Vida De Los Arboles by Francis Hallé is an enlightening exploration into the world of trees, presenting them not merely as biological entities but as vibrant, living beings with complex behaviors and ecosystems. Through detailed illustrations and insightful text, Hallé, a renowned botanist, delves into the life cycles, ecological impacts, and the often overlooked social interactions of trees. 

4. For English readers, these topics are also explored in the articles Trees Have Their Own Internet and The Secrets of the Wood Wide Web.

5. Photographer Lena C. Emery's Yuka & The Forest delves into the intricate bond between humans and the natural world. Through her protagonist, Yuka, Emery introduces us to the chinju no mori, the sacred forest, providing a glimpse into Japan's deeply intertwined relationship with nature. 

6. Chilean artist Maura Faundez's acrylic painting Venus en Piscis beautifully portrays a woman lounging under a fig tree, embodying a serene connection with nature. Faundez's work is predominantly figurative, yet consistently weaves elements of nature into her compositions, possibly to emphasize themes of growth and interconnectedness.

7. Korean artist Park Yunji's paintings depict leaves in various stages of light exposure, evoking a sense of transient beauty and reflecting on the fleeting, ephemeral moments of nature itself.

8. In her series "Hwijowon" or "a garden built out of light," Korean artist Duri Baek's paintings reveal the captivating interplay of light and shadow through a minimalist palette of green and yellow.

9. In Erwin Fichou's "Miradors" series, the artist collaborated with gardeners in Mexico City to transform trees into ephemeral sculptures. Capturing individuals nestled within the greenery, Fichou's photographs present a playful exploration of the interaction between nature and urban life.

10. If you were inspired by this post and are looking to make a positive impact, consider supporting Trees, Water & People.

I’ve got plenty of ideas for future themes, but I’d love to hear your suggestions too. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on Arrangements Vol. 2.