Lesley Richmond Textile Trees

Lesley Richmond Textile Trees

Intricate patterns of interlacing branches, treetops, shape and density of the foliage create a special tree architecture. This very architecture has become the main inspiration for the British textile artist Lesley Richmond. She spends some time with her camera in the forest, fully absorbed in communication with the giants of the vegetable world – trees.
Most of the trees in the winter lose their leaves and reveal to her the mystery of their fate. Curlicue trunks and branches are able to tell an experienced observer about the most important stages of the tree life and the conditions in which the tree grows. For Lesley Richmond every detail is important, nothing remains unnoticed. All she has to do after observation – to document the details with a camera, then transfer images onto textile by printing them on cloth; next important step – eliminate the selected background areas, and finally, paint with metal patinas and pigments.

Cornwall, England born artist Lesley Richmond now lives in Canadian Vancouver. She graduated from Art Teachers Training college in London, then continued her studying in the USA. Later Lesley Richmond taught textile art at University in Vancouver. At the same time she continued her creative work in her art studio, where she now works full time.

Botanists, as well as psychologists have noticed that some silhouettes of trees bring us delight, while others, conversely, inhibit, increasing sense of unease and anxiety.

In addition to spreading form a number of tree species has a natural clear geometric crown, and there are some laws that apply to painting and architecture.

Lesley Richmond Textile Trees

Umbrella form of the trees has a calming effect, the form creates an image to protect and safeguard person under its crown.

The conical or pyramidal shape of the trees has the dynamics of striving upwards and affect the human depressing, keeping feelings of depression and melancholy. However, such forms have positive affect on dreamy people, philosophers who are inclined to solitude and reflection on the meaning of life.

Crowns, for example, in the art of bonsai – a defining moment, a form of “stem branching” is closely linked to some concepts in our mind. As this point, what is laid in a man – yet little known.

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