Steven Nederveen | The Vibrant Inner Life of Trees

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Steven Nederveen, "The Vibrant Inner Life of Trees"

mixed media on panel, 48 X 48 in. Courtesy of the Gallery.

Please join us to celebrate Steven Nederveen's newest collection The Vibrant Inner Life of Trees

"This latest series of colourful tree paintings is a fun and light hearted play off the relatively recent discoveries about tree communication and interconnectedness. As an artist, I've always been drawn to the beauty and majesty of trees, and in this series, I wanted to highlight the deeper social dynamic trees have with one another.

In recent years, scientific research has revealed that trees have a complex and interconnected social network. Through their root systems and underground fungi networks, trees are able to communicate with each other and share resources, such as nutrients and water. This network is sometimes referred to as the "wood wide web. The concept of the "wood wide web" highlights the importance of interconnectedness and community, and that trees are not the solitary plants we once thought, but are actually living in dynamic relationships to the other plants, able to work together to raise saplings, ward off intruders and send warnings. Just as humans rely on each other for support, cooperation, and empathy, trees also depend on each other for their survival.

Traditionally I have used my art to evoke a sense of connection to the natural world by depicting trees with radiant lights and golden glows. In this series, however, I chose to personify trees as friendly groups of colourful characters. While maintaining a photographic element, I've added vibrant colors and delicate patterns to small tree groupings to imply lively social interactions. To envision trees as having families and communities, I hope to offer a new perspective on our natural world. That it is not just a warehouse of raw materials for us to consume but that we can have greater appreciation for the complexity of life and our place within it. Each painting is a celebration of the rich diversity and wonder of the natural world."