Archival yew-related imagery was considered during the project’s research period. An edit of these historical photographs, postcards, and illustrations have inspired new analogue photography works, as well as cyanotypes toned with beetroot emulsion. Through presenting visual documentation of interventions performed in the landscape, alongside writing about the regenerative growth patterns of yew trees, the project hopes to hold a candle towards often obscured and inconspicuous forms of violence.
Works have been made in various locations across the UK, such as Leeds, West Yorkshire, where the project began, the Scottish Highland’s Morvern peninsula, Kingley Vale ancient yew grove in the South Downs, West Sussex, and most recently in Regent’s Park, London, where there are many differently shaped yew trees.
An early stage of the project involved applying vegetable beetroot paint to different parts of woodland trees, inspired by bloodlike ‘sap bleeding’ that occurs naturally on some yew trees, especially after rainfall. These open insides highlight the yew’s capacity to grow outwards. The application of the dye pairs the appearance of human blood drawn from traumatic injuries, both emotional and physical, with the regenerative potentials of the yew.