Artist Luke Jerram has embarked on his most ambitious project yet, Echo Wood – a living sculpture made up of native British trees that will grow and evolve over time. The installation, which spans 110 metres wide, is currently taking root in Somerset's Chew Valley, where 365 crabapple, hawthorn, and oak trees have been planted as part of the Avon Needs Trees charity.
In a century or so, these trees will form a vast, complex design that will outlast Jerram himself. The artist, known for his Play Me I'm Yours street pianos project and Museum of the Moon artwork, has stated that he is philosophical about his legacy – "I'm at a stage in my career when I'm starting to look forward, I'm not looking back." By commissioning this project, Jerram aims to leave behind a physical representation of his art that will continue to inspire future generations.
Echo Wood will be an event space, used for everything from weddings and educational activities to music and poetry performances. The installation is designed to foster creativity and raise awareness about the fight against climate change. "This is a way to physically do something about it," Jerram explains. "Using creativity to inspire the general public, but also to help use trees to raise a bit of money and create a legacy."
The wood from future artworks will be sustainably harvested and used for projects such as playground equipment or musical instruments. The Avon Needs Trees charity aims to engage people in creative ways to address the climate and nature crises, citing Echo Wood as "a message in wood, water and sunlight." By collaborating with Jerram on this project, they hope to inspire a wider audience to take action.
As for Jerram, he is "always hopeful" despite finding the breaching of tipping points alarming. His approach to art and creativity serves as a symbol of optimism – by working together, individuals can create lasting change.
In a century or so, these trees will form a vast, complex design that will outlast Jerram himself. The artist, known for his Play Me I'm Yours street pianos project and Museum of the Moon artwork, has stated that he is philosophical about his legacy – "I'm at a stage in my career when I'm starting to look forward, I'm not looking back." By commissioning this project, Jerram aims to leave behind a physical representation of his art that will continue to inspire future generations.
Echo Wood will be an event space, used for everything from weddings and educational activities to music and poetry performances. The installation is designed to foster creativity and raise awareness about the fight against climate change. "This is a way to physically do something about it," Jerram explains. "Using creativity to inspire the general public, but also to help use trees to raise a bit of money and create a legacy."
The wood from future artworks will be sustainably harvested and used for projects such as playground equipment or musical instruments. The Avon Needs Trees charity aims to engage people in creative ways to address the climate and nature crises, citing Echo Wood as "a message in wood, water and sunlight." By collaborating with Jerram on this project, they hope to inspire a wider audience to take action.
As for Jerram, he is "always hopeful" despite finding the breaching of tipping points alarming. His approach to art and creativity serves as a symbol of optimism – by working together, individuals can create lasting change.
... it sounds like a lot of hype for me. Like, what's the real purpose of having 365 trees just standing around? Can't they be used for something more practical like reforestation efforts? And why is it gotta be so fancy with weddings and events too? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love art and all, but can't we focus on actual solutions to climate change instead of just making a pretty picture out of trees? 
It's like, what a genius idea - taking these beautiful trees and turning them into this massive living sculpture that'll last for centuries! I mean, can you imagine walking through it in 100 years or something? The fact that Luke Jerram is all about leaving behind a legacy and creating something that'll inspire future generations is so inspiring 
. And the best part? It's not just some art piece, it's an event space too! I'm imagining weddings, concerts, and poetry readings under those trees... 
The whole vibe of this project feels like a big ol' hug for the planet 
. Let's hope we can all take a page from Jerram's book and create positive change in our own way 
not less! sustainable art and creativity are the keys to saving our planet 
It's like he's sayin', "Hey, let's not just make art for the sake of it, let's create somethin' that'll outlast us!" And now, people can actually have events and performances under those trees... it's like a big ol' outdoor art gallery! 
. Anyway, I hope the wood from future artworks gets used for some rad stuff like musical instruments or playground equipment. That sounds like a great way to keep the legacy goin' 
. My kids would love it! I think this project is a great reminder that art can be a powerful tool for making a difference in our world 
I'm loving the idea of Echo Wood, it's such a unique and inspiring project! I mean, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by nature and trees that have been specifically chosen for their beauty and significance? 
And what about the logistics of harvesting the wood when it's time to make more art pieces? It feels like there's still a lot of planning and execution that needs to happen before this whole thing takes off. 
And the best part is, it's not just about Luke Jerram - it's a collaboration with the Avon Needs Trees charity. That's what I call a win-win! 
The idea of using trees to raise money for climate change awareness is genius... who says art can't be sustainable? 
. but hey, at least it's not just some boring old statue or whatever – this thing is actually going to grow and change over time, like the world we're trying to save (or something). i guess it's cool that people will get to use it for events and stuff too 
. and on a positive note, using trees to raise money and awareness about climate change? yeah, that's more like it 
Can't we just stick to doing it for ourselves without needing a fancy installation?
Like, how sustainable is this whole thing gonna be? Are we just delaying the inevitable or what? 
Interesting that Luke Jerram's Echo Wood project combines art, nature, and sustainability. I love how it's not just about the trees but also about creating an event space where people can come together and raise awareness about climate change. The idea of using the wood from future artworks to create playground equipment or musical instruments is genius 
! Did you know that if we plant a single tree, it can produce up to 640 pounds of oxygen in its lifetime? 
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. He's always hopeful despite the alarming breaching of tipping points 
. And I think we need more people like him who are using their platforms to inspire positive change 
. Let's get behind this project and support it in every way possible 
