Internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram has embarked on his most ambitious project yet, a living art installation named Echo Wood. This unique artwork, comprising 365 native British trees, has been planted in Somerset's Chew Valley and is designed to evolve over a century, long after its creator is gone.
The project, a collaboration with the charity Avon Needs Trees, aims to create a vast 110-meter-wide natural design. It combines artistic vision with a powerful message about climate change and environmental legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Luke Jerram's Echo Wood is a new living art installation in Somerset.
- The project involves planting 365 native British trees to form a 110-meter-wide design.
- Echo Wood is a 100-year project, designed to mature long after Jerram's lifetime.
- It emphasizes themes of climate change, creativity, and environmental legacy.
- The artwork will be part of the larger Lower Chew Forest, one of England's biggest new woodlands.
A Vision Beyond a Lifetime
Luke Jerram, known for his large-scale installations like the seven-meter diameter Museum of the Moon, is now focusing on a project that truly transcends his own lifespan. At 50 years old, Jerram describes Echo Wood as a legacy project, a way to project himself into the future.
"In 50 to 100 years I’m not going to be here," Jerram stated from his Bristol studio, next to a scale model of the burgeoning forest. He added, "I’m at a stage in my career when I’m starting to look forward, I’m not looking back."
"I’m 50, it might be a midlife crisis. I’m up to 900 exhibitions now. Forty countries around the world and the artworks are in about 80 museums. So you suddenly start thinking about legacy projects and the fact that I can’t keep these levels of energy up." - Luke Jerram
Project in Numbers
- 365 trees planted (crabapple, hawthorn, oak)
- 100 years for the artwork to fully emerge
- 110 meters wide will be the final design
- 422 acres for the wider Lower Chew Forest
- 100,000 trees will populate the entire Lower Chew Forest
Designing a Living Canvas
The 365 trees planted this winter include varieties such as crabapple, hawthorn, and oak. These species were chosen for their suitability to the British landscape and their ability to create a diverse, evolving ecosystem.
The design of Echo Wood incorporates pathways and avenues, which will guide visitors through the forest. These routes will lead to a central circular gathering space, formed by 12 English oak trees. Jerram envisions this central area becoming a hub for creativity and community.
"It will form an event space. It can be used for weddings or educational activities, music, poetry, you name it," Jerram explained. This emphasis on public engagement is a hallmark of his previous works, such as the 'Play Me I'm Yours' street pianos project.
Jerram's Notable Works
- Museum of the Moon: A seven-meter diameter moon sculpture using detailed NASA imagery.
- Gaia: A seven-meter diameter Earth sculpture, also using NASA imagery.
- Helios: A sculpture of the Sun, recreating its surface with detailed solar imagery.
- Play Me I'm Yours: Street pianos placed in public spaces for anyone to play.
- Tipping Point: An immersive installation simulating a forest fire with smoke, lights, and sound.
A Symbol of Climate Action
Echo Wood is more than just an art piece; it stands as a powerful symbol in the fight against climate change. Jerram's art often explores themes of nature and environmental urgency. This living sculpture directly addresses these concerns.
"This is a way to physically do something about it. Using creativity to inspire the general public, but also to help use trees to raise a bit of money and create a legacy," Jerram stated. He believes art can communicate messages in a unique, impactful way, reaching people on a different level.
The artist often collaborates with scientists and charities to translate complex ideas into accessible art. Despite ongoing challenges in tackling the climate crisis, Jerram maintains a sense of hope, even while acknowledging the frightening reality of ecological tipping points.
The wood from Echo Wood will eventually be harvested sustainably. It will then be used for educational and creative projects, with new trees replanted to continue the life cycle. Jerram imagines the oak wood becoming playground equipment, a boat, or musical instruments for children in the city.
Community and Future Generations
The project forms part of the larger Lower Chew Forest initiative. This ambitious woodland, covering 422 acres and set to contain 100,000 trees, will become one of England's largest new forests upon completion. This wider context amplifies the environmental impact of Echo Wood.
Companies and individuals have the opportunity to sponsor individual trees, directly supporting Avon Needs Trees. This charity undertakes numerous tree-planting projects across the region, contributing significantly to reforestation efforts.
"Stood in the heart of a brand new forest, Echo Wood is a symbol of optimism to us and future generations that with some thought, creativity and determination we can meet the climate and nature crises we’re facing." - Dave Wood, Chief Executive of Avon Needs Trees
Dave Wood emphasized the project's ability to inspire. He called Echo Wood "Not quite a message in a bottle but a message in wood, water and sunlight." The collaboration with Jerram aims to engage a broader audience, encouraging more people to consider creative solutions to environmental challenges. This outreach is crucial in a region that has seen significant deforestation.
The artist’s long-term vision for Echo Wood underscores a growing trend in public art: creating works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also carry deep ecological and social significance. This project serves as a testament to the power of art to inspire, educate, and contribute to a sustainable future.