RIP Fraxinus Ex

This work references the phenomenon of commemorating the non-human with grassroots memorials that echo those used by humans to mourn both their loved ones and those who may not be personally known to them, but with whom they feel a strong connection. Since 2012 ash dieback disease has ravaged the UK’s ash trees, Fraxinus Excelsior, and a decade on climate change induced storms have been felling these trees in great numbers. The woods where I walk and collect plastic detritus are full of such trees. I have been making ‘bouquets’ from the collected waste that are reminiscent of those often glimpsed at the roadside, placing them and photographing them on the fallen dead trees. A collage of the resulting images forms the ‘road sign’ panel attached to the A frame onto which the ‘bouquets’ are lashed.