Solitary Trees

While I have posted these photos here before, soon after they were taken, I’ve been reflecting on them more recently. These are included in my exhibition The Long View, currently up at the Ulysess Philomathic Library, on view until October 29th. I used this show as an opportunity to revisit years of photographs, curate the selection, and show them for the first time as a group, 17 pieces in all of varying sizes.

Some of my treescapes include rural farms where a solitary tree remains in a cleared field. This is often done as a way to mark boundaries or to provide respite in full sun.

I find it visually striking to see a lone tree in an open field. It is a silent observer of how the land was cleared and divided for ownership and livelihood. The single tree left standing is a reminder of what came before and what has passed.

Farm Field (Between Canisteo and Bath), 2024, 9.5" x 14.25"

Farm Field (Interlaken), 2022, 11" x 16.5"

Farm Field (Elbridge), 2025, 12" x 15"