Masako Miyazaki - A tree - 2022

Signed copy by Masako Miyazaki, numbered, this being 76 of 100. According to the author: "The images were taken mainly in my South Shore neighborhood. In this series, trees are subjects and metaphors of my thoughts. Trees are sources of life and part of our day-to-day; we benefit from them to survive and also to feel good. When I walk through the forest with my camera, the trees help me reconnect with myself, escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and slow down to perceive their presence. When I feel this, I shoot the camera and freeze the moment, which otherwise would fade away. I am fascinated by the unique shape of the branches and roots that extend to the air and to the earth. Their leaves flutter in the wind and rest on the ground. These are the natural phenomena I photograph. By focusing on the details of each tree, I frame them as portraits. I observe that each tree has a different appearance and form, just like human beings. In this way, I speculate about their different personalities, origins, and histories. I found myself in one of the trees, and this inspired me to write a story. This story is a reflection of my past and present, and describes the feeling of being rooted in a new place and culture in Canada as a newcomer. Despite these changes, I preserve my identity, which manifests through photography. The cherry trees are a symbol of my Japanese heritage and constitute the central axis of this story. To print this project, I used Washi paper, made with natural plant material and in harmony with the theme. I am fascinated by the power of photography to preserve the fleeting moment, combining the texture and conservation capacity of the paper with the longevity of the tree embodied in the paper".