The tree lies at the heart of all tribal cultures. The anglo-saxon word “treow” means both ‘tree’ and ‘truth’. The cherokee indians called trees ‘Standing people’ who provided witness for contracts between people from marriages, to a pledge.

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Inspired by the folk tale of King Midas And the ass’s ears, Form® partner Paul West produced a series of twelve etchings and large format (50 X 70cm) charcoal drawings.

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The new works imagine the trees listening to, and mirroring our thoughts, whispering back to us with their leaves in the wind. 
A leaf-message on the pavement is as unnoticed as our own need for connection in a progressively disconnected world.

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Paul spent many hours at Hippo Screenprinters experimenting with etching plates for the project under the watchful eye of co-owner Lynne Blackburn.

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After a successful series of artist proofs were printed, Lynne and Paul printed scores of leaves with messages using a non toxic water-based ink…

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…and Paul distributed these leaves across city spaces. 99% of these leaves would not be seen.

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Promotional cards were sent to Artfinder, selected galleries and press:

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Coinciding with a six page feature in issue #3 of Inside Artists

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‘Silent Voices’ was launched at this years HIVE art fair, Harrogate.