Living Wood

Tristan Tulledge

This Piece incorporates both biology, science and my own interests. The main theme of this piece came from the idea of Photosynthesis found in certain animal species like the yellow spotted salamander, Oriental Hornet, Pea Aphid, and Sea Slugs. These different types of animals utilize this unique trait as either a secondary food source or even as a weapon. The Yellow spotted salamander mainly utilizes photosynthesis through an Algae found in its sacks to produce a food source so with this wood cut the idea is to have moss grow all over the outer edges. Next, with the Pea Aphid and Sea slug which utilize photosynthesis in generally the same way the wood cut will begin to take a life of its own with a sprout of a tree starting to grow out of the sides. Finally, with the Oriental Hornet which uses Photosynthesis as a weapon through an enzyme which produces electricity found in its exoskeleton. This wood-cut incorporates a copper look which is fundamentally a good material for electricity to travel through. This project is both to enlighten and showcase my love of science and art. Many people are unaware of these certain types of species and with the help of this project I hope to bring knowledge that people didn’t have.

About the Artist

When creating different art pieces the themes I generally gravitate towards would be environment, fantasy, and research knowledge based. I believe that with the help of art people can begin to be more informed and understand the world around us. So far in my pieces I tend to go a more environmental researched based direction incorporated traits that are found in animals like parthenogenesis and photosynthesis into my pieces. When I’m in the process of constructing my pieces I utilize found metal objects to create an abstract metal assemblage sculpture like the one that is featured at the hill street country club called, “Self Portrait” but recently these past two years I have been finding myself interested in wood prints and trying to incorporate both materials into my piece. When I’m finished created my pieces my artwork is generally for everyone hoping that they get inspired or enlightened by them to search for a small understanding out of life. That’s how I find it myself, when I’m creating these pieces I understand a little more about the world around us. But, the world is ever changing so it’s always best to keep oneself informed or you might be left behind. 

Additional Documentation