John Wiltshire
My paintings often relate to natural history and observation, communicated through paint, this has preoccupied me for over 35 years. There's value and opportunity in differences so observation is a vital part of human behaviour, we observe because we have evolved to survive as hunter gatherers. In my painting practice it is these observed differences which connect my works. Whether something in the landscape, a face or in objects, we notice differences and they shape us as individuals, becoming our interests and a part of our identity.
My preoccupation with trees and plants came from living amongst woodland in a small village in East Sussex. My childhood centred on these woods and we named trees as a way to meet and play. I still look at plants and trees in this way, looking for metaphors, using the etymology, trying to communicate the interest trees especially provide in the psychogeography of our external and internal landscape. I’m pleased to develop my observational and painterly skills to begin the communication of our relationship with nature in any way I can. This is the reason that the Arborealists are of interest to me, to share a passion and collaborate with like minded artists.
I often work with en plein air painting in a number of locations, one of these is Cambridge University Botanic Gardens where I have provided workshops for over 15 years. I would like to think a response to the botanic collection by the Arborealists could be of interest to them and maybe result in more workshops or exhibiting opportunities for the group amongst the university.
I'd like to imagine that my work might complement your members achievements and that my experience and skills might be useful too.