Graphite, khadi and found papers

14.5 × 12.5cm

2022/23

I created a small book of bark rubbings, made on my art research trip in Kenya, 2022, where I was born and brought up. As I travelled from place to place, I gathered a collection of tree rubbings. By looking and encountering the trees up close, I discovered more about the rich variety of Kenyan trees. Many have medicinal properties and are used for building timber. I also engaged with creatures. In one instance, a monkey came to feel my graphite pencil!

On the back of each of my tree rubbings is the name of the tree. The small book documents an incredible experience, records each tree’s identity (each has very different marks); and it’s a freestanding sculptural artwork!

This is a unique treasure gathered and hand made over several weeks.