Earth under the Ancient Beech
1967
Earth on canvas
6 x 8 ft
Circumference of Ancient Beech Tree 1967
Resin on canvas
6 x 8 ft
Surface Memory
Surface memories are a reflection of Sonfist's childhood. He would climb trees and feel the rivers of bark and how they varied like the skin on his own body. When he returned to his childhood forest, Sonfist became aware of the different surfaces of the trees of his past and how they had changed. Each of the artworks captures the story of the tree, covering the entire circumference of young and old trees from the roots to the limbs. The specimens used are from the indigenous forests of the Northeast.
"I never saw a discontented tree. They grip the ground as though they liked it, and though fast rooted they travel about as far as we do. They go wandering forth in all directions with every wind, going and coming like ourselves, travelling with us around the sun two million miles a day, and through space heaven knows how fast and far!" John Muir
"As I caressed the trees, I saw their skin become mine." Alan Sonfist
The Great Palm
1968
Resin and Charcoal
6 x 9 ft.
Collection of the National Gallery, Washington D.C.