Arboreal Whispers

The 6th edition of the Macquarie Concise Dictionary contains the following entries:

       arboreal /ɑːˈbɔːrɪəl/ adj. 1. relating to trees; treelike.
      whisper /ˈwɪspə/ n. 10. a soft, rustling sound, as of leaves moving in the wind.
      11. confidential information ;...

It is no secret that we are dendrophiles (tree lovers) and nemophilists (lovers of forests). Right from when we were mere saplings we each found ourselves drawn to trees, admiring their stature, gazing at the sun filtering through their canopies, climbing their branches and collecting their leaves and seeds. Tree and forest love inspired our own union - Malinda being charmed by Oliver's treelike loftiness, and Oliver being impressed by Malinda's tree-hugging proclivity. Since we exchanged rings, many seasons have cycled past, adding ring upon ring to the trunks  of our woody friends, and our engagement with trees has continued to deepen. 

But what is it exactly that so enthrals us about trees? Why do we say 'wow!' when we see a grand one, embrace them like we would our children, refer to them as friends and cry when they are sawn down? Our almost spiritual bond with trees cannot be adequately explained by reference to their physical features; rather, it is best expressed through art. 

In our approaching SALA exhibition Arboreal Whispers, we join Adele Sliuzas, a fellow dendrophile, to celebrate the tree, and to share, in the best way we know how, the rather intangible connection that has so moved and inspired us. 

Below are the details. All are welcome to attend the opening event on 3 August 2024.

​Malinda and Oliver.