(Re)learning tree-time
Losæter, Oslo, Norway | Spring & Autumn 2024
‘(Re)learning tree-time’ is a collaborative series of events and workshops centred around the notion of time from the point of view of the more-than-human*. It aims to challenge our increasingly human short-term thinking with the long-term thinking of tree-time.
‘Tree time’ can be understood as the slower and steadier ecological cycles of nature that govern trees and their ecosystems.
How can we humans explore new perspectives of time with the help of trees as a conduit for time? How can we learn to think long-term again, to build sustainable futures together with more-than-humans?
‘(Re)learning tree-time’ invites participants and viewers to slow down and use their sensory abilities to experience tree-time.
*more-than-human: term used to include other living beings that are not human. (Abram, 1996)
In collaboration with Kunsthøgskolen Oslo & the Art and Public Space department | Losæter | Urtealliansen | Mari Jerstad | Eliana Vero | Zoe Jo Rae| Liselli Grunwald.
With the financial support of Oslo kommune.
‘(re)learning tree-time: exploring long-term thinking through the more-than-human time perspective’ (working title)
‘We are all grandchildren and we are all ancestors’, Julia Whaipooti, Maori lawyer & children’s rights campaigner.
‘I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past’, Maori proverb.
‘We do not inherit the land from our ancestors;
we borrow it from our children’, Apache saying.
‘trees teach us about life at the speed of wood.’
Richard Powers, novellist.
PROGRAM
PART 2 - AUTUMN 2024
‘HAND & THOUGHT MAKING - NETTLE WORKSHOP’
FRI. 13 SEPTEMBER 2024 at Losæter - 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Workshop leaders: Francesca Tullio, Zoe Jo Rae & Liselli Grunwald
Workshop Mycellium: Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
The event picture is by Silvia from Pixabay.
Workshop Mycellium: Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
The event picture is by Silvia from Pixabay.
A workshop for making rope out of nettles and discussing time, craft, trees, and long-term thinking. Craft and thought making go hand-in-hand, no wonder this practice can be considered a form of meditation for many. Or knitting. Or weaving. Or basketry. It seems that the mind wanders when one’s hands are occupied. and time slows down.
In this workshop, artist and illustrator Francesca Tullio will show us how to make rope out of nettle fibres while discussing long-term thinking in relation to craft, trees and the ecological cycles of nature that are bound to time itself. This rope or cordage will be used in the ‘planting trees workshop’ on the 14th september, connecting the tree supports to the trees. The nettle-fibres will be prepared in advance so that the rope-making craft will be the sole focus together with the discussion (more info to come later about the discussion).
In line with the previous craft workshop of the ‘(re)learning tree-time’ art project, making cordage from nettle, like whittling, belongs to those ancient crafts we humans used in the past, when craft and ecology were intrinsically linked.
How can craft, in the context of ecology, help us humans to think long-term again?
In this workshop, artist and illustrator Francesca Tullio will show us how to make rope out of nettle fibres while discussing long-term thinking in relation to craft, trees and the ecological cycles of nature that are bound to time itself. This rope or cordage will be used in the ‘planting trees workshop’ on the 14th september, connecting the tree supports to the trees. The nettle-fibres will be prepared in advance so that the rope-making craft will be the sole focus together with the discussion (more info to come later about the discussion).
In line with the previous craft workshop of the ‘(re)learning tree-time’ art project, making cordage from nettle, like whittling, belongs to those ancient crafts we humans used in the past, when craft and ecology were intrinsically linked.
How can craft, in the context of ecology, help us humans to think long-term again?
Practical info:
- This workshop is for participants aged 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
- bring warm clothes, we will be indoors but it can get a bit cold once the sun has gone down.
- Price: Free (you need to book your place)
- Email to book your spot: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
- Max 12 participants.
- Time: 2,5hrs.
‘ET BREV FRA FREMTIDEN- WRITINGS FROM THE FUTURE’
SAT. 14. SEPTEMBER 2024 at Losæter - 11am to 1.35pm
event picture taken by @janelool
Practical information:
-no prior specific writing skills required, this is not a workshop about how you write but about exploring your memories and extracting thoughts and understanding from them by putting them on paper in a way that is understandable to you (and the person you are writing to).
-Location: Losæter, Oslo
- format: 40 mins writing, 45 mins debrief and break, 40 mins writing, 45 mins debrief and break.
- total duration: 2 ¾ hrs.
-participation is free but you must sign-up to book your spot: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
-pen and paper will be provided but bring a notebook if you so wish
- max 10 participants.
- the workshop will be in english and norwegian. Participants can write in their own chosen language or mother tongue. If you wish to share during the debrief period, you must be able to do so in english or norwegian.
-no prior specific writing skills required, this is not a workshop about how you write but about exploring your memories and extracting thoughts and understanding from them by putting them on paper in a way that is understandable to you (and the person you are writing to).
-Location: Losæter, Oslo
- format: 40 mins writing, 45 mins debrief and break, 40 mins writing, 45 mins debrief and break.
- total duration: 2 ¾ hrs.
-participation is free but you must sign-up to book your spot: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
-pen and paper will be provided but bring a notebook if you so wish
- max 10 participants.
- the workshop will be in english and norwegian. Participants can write in their own chosen language or mother tongue. If you wish to share during the debrief period, you must be able to do so in english or norwegian.
How do you want to be remembered as an ancestor? What will your future generations think of you? In the same way that you remember your past generations, whether a grandparent or other older person you may know/might have known, what knowledge will you pass on as ancestor to your descendant, or someone from a future generation? What knowledge, memories, thoughts would you even like to pass on?
This workshop explores the simple questions: what do we remember of our past generations, and how will we be remembered once we become past generations?
Participants will be invited to write two letters, with these questions in mind. The first letter to a person from a past generation (direct ancestor or any older person) who made a positive lasting impression on them. The second letter will be written from the perspective of a descendant/person from a future generation, writing a letter to their own ancestor/person from a past generation (who is the participant, in real time).
In these letters, we will write our thanks to past generations who have made an impact on us, on how we live our lives, on who we are today, through memories or any other thought that comes to mind.
The participants will be invited to share their writing if they so wish in a debrief period where we will discuss the power of connecting generations through memories, as a way to explore long-term thinking and imagine visions of sustainable futures together.
At the end of the workshop, both letters will be buried at the foot of the two young trees that will be planted during the tree planting workshop a few hours later. The idea being to symbolize the close connection of generations and identity, through soils and root systems. This will ultimately reinforce the importance of rituals as a way to (re)discover, embody and cultivate our thoughts and attitudes around kinship.
The letters will be written on organic paper, with hand-made natural inks, to avoid polluting the roots of the trees once buried.
Our words to our past generations, intertwined with the roots of the young trees, ties together the idea of cyclical time from the perspective of trees and from the perspective of humans.
This workshop explores the simple questions: what do we remember of our past generations, and how will we be remembered once we become past generations?
Participants will be invited to write two letters, with these questions in mind. The first letter to a person from a past generation (direct ancestor or any older person) who made a positive lasting impression on them. The second letter will be written from the perspective of a descendant/person from a future generation, writing a letter to their own ancestor/person from a past generation (who is the participant, in real time).
In these letters, we will write our thanks to past generations who have made an impact on us, on how we live our lives, on who we are today, through memories or any other thought that comes to mind.
The participants will be invited to share their writing if they so wish in a debrief period where we will discuss the power of connecting generations through memories, as a way to explore long-term thinking and imagine visions of sustainable futures together.
At the end of the workshop, both letters will be buried at the foot of the two young trees that will be planted during the tree planting workshop a few hours later. The idea being to symbolize the close connection of generations and identity, through soils and root systems. This will ultimately reinforce the importance of rituals as a way to (re)discover, embody and cultivate our thoughts and attitudes around kinship.
The letters will be written on organic paper, with hand-made natural inks, to avoid polluting the roots of the trees once buried.
Our words to our past generations, intertwined with the roots of the young trees, ties together the idea of cyclical time from the perspective of trees and from the perspective of humans.
This workshop is committed to creating a safe environment of solidarity and mutual care for participants. Some memories might be emotionally charged and/or may speak to trauma. There will be a dedicated, private, decompression space available for any of the participants’ use, at any point.
‘PLANTE ET TRE - A WORLDWIDE RITUAL’
SAT. 14. SEPTEMBER 2024 at Losæter - 2pm to 5pm
event picture by Eliana
workshop leader: Eliana Vero
workshop mycellium: Andrew Niday
workshop mycellium: Andrew Niday
Celebrating nature together, guided by meaningful actions that create unforgettable connections between people and places!
We invite you to a tree planting workshop where we will relearn important facts of our soil, how to prepare a time capsule, honouring teamwork, the importance of Human Rights and earth rhythm.Come and experience the sacred action of planting trees and the Celtic meaning behind Bjørk (Betula pendula) og Hagtorn (Crataegus monogyna).
Welcome!
We invite you to a tree planting workshop where we will relearn important facts of our soil, how to prepare a time capsule, honouring teamwork, the importance of Human Rights and earth rhythm.Come and experience the sacred action of planting trees and the Celtic meaning behind Bjørk (Betula pendula) og Hagtorn (Crataegus monogyna).
Welcome!
Bring:
- your favourite percussion instrument
- rythm & curiosity
- clothes dependent on the weather as we will be outdoors
- Time: Saturday 14th september kl. 14:00 - 17:00
Meet-up: Losæter møteplass
Price: free but you must book your place
Email to book: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
This workshop is suitable for people of all ages who want the best for this world.
We are also very thankful for Oslo Trær's help in acquiring these two trees we will be planting.
We are also very thankful for Oslo Trær's help in acquiring these two trees we will be planting.
‘ROOTED WALK-TRÆR I GAMLEBYEN’
SUN. 15. SEPTEMBER 2024 at Losæter - 2pm to 4.30pm
Walk leader: Mari Jerstad
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Mimmi Koponen.
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Mimmi Koponen.
There are numerous remarkable trees in Oslo. We want to use some time to appreciate and listen to them. Using our senses to feel our relation to our surroundings, in this case trees, allows us to connect with it. Maybe empathise with it. Maybe realise that trees are a physical manifestation of time and can act as a conduit for long-term thinking. This walk prepares the foundation for a closer connection to trees.
We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
Please bring:We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
- A notebook
- Something to write with
- Curiosity
- Sitteunderlag
- Outdoor clothes according to the weather
Meet up: Middelalderparken busstopp/ tram stop
Price: Free (you need to book your place)
Email to book your spot: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
PROGRAM
PART 1- SPRING 2024
‘ROOTED WALK- TRÆR I GAMLEBYEN’
SAT. 11. MAY 2024 at Losæter - 2pm to 4pm
There are numerous remarkable trees in Oslo. We want to use some time to appreciate and listen to them. Using our senses to feel our relation to our surroundings, in this case trees, allows us to connect with it. Maybe empathise with it. Maybe realise that trees are a physical manifestation of time and can act as a conduit for long-term thinking. This walk prepares the foundation for a closer connection to trees.
We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
Please bring:
- A notebook
- Something to write with
- Curiosity
- Sitteunderlag
- Outdoor clothes according to the weather
Meet up: Middelalderparken busstopp/ tram stop
Price: Free (you need to book your place)
Email to book your spot: lizzgrunw@gmail.com
Walk leader: Mari Jerstad
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Dagny Holm.
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Dagny Holm.
‘HAND & THOUGHT MAKING - WHITTLING TIME AWAY’
Sun. 12. May 2024 at Losæter - 11am to 1.30pm
A workshop for whittling and discussing time, craft, trees, and long-term thinking.
Craft and thought making go hand-in-hand, no wonder whittling can be considered a form of meditation for many. Or knitting. Or weaving. Or basketry. It seems that the mind wanders when one’s hands are occupied. and time slows down.
Arborist and Designer - Maker Zoe Jo Rae has collected branches (from maintenance pruning) for us to whittle tree supports together, for young saplings to be planted this autumn at Losæter. Like a gift, from an older generation to a younger generation. The passing on of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Here are some questions for you, while you wait to get your hands and mind whittling:
- How is craft linked to our surroundings? What can we learn about our surroundings from doing craft?
- When does a tree become wood, the material for making the craft?
- How can craft help us build long-term sustainable futures together?
- How is craft linked to our surroundings? What can we learn about our surroundings from doing craft?
- When does a tree become wood, the material for making the craft?
- How can craft help us build long-term sustainable futures together?
These questions and more, thoughts and ideas will be food for thinking and discussing while our hands will have a mind of their own, whittling at the tree supports. Participants are free to take part in the discussion while whittling, or simply whittle and listen in.
Practical info:
-Whittling knives will be provided but participants
are welcome to bring their own if they so wish.
- This workshop is for participants aged 8 and up.
Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Price: Free (you need to book your place)
- Email to book your spot: lizzgrunw@gmail.com
- Max 15 participants.
- Time: 2,5hrs
Workshop leaders: Zoe Jo Rae & Liselli Grunwald
Workshop Mycellium: Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
The event picture is taken by Zoe Jo Rae
Workshop Mycellium: Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
The event picture is taken by Zoe Jo Rae
‘USE YOUR SENSES !’
SENSING OUR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH PRINTING AND PAINTING WITH NATURAL DYES AND FOUND OBJECTS.
Sun. 12. May 2024 at Losæter - 2pm to 4pm.
How do trees ‘feel’ their surroundings? Infrasounds? Chemical communication with the atmosphere? Mycellium? Most humans feel their surroundings through their 5 senses (smell, sight, touch, sound, taste).
In this workshop we will work together to print and paint with natural dyes and found objects, blindfolded, on recuperated bunting flags. These will then be used as decoration for the grande finale garden party celebrating the end of the part 1 workshops. There will also be time for making your own bunting piece or prints to take home if you so wish (blindfolded or not).
The bunting flags will be gifted to Losæter as a thank you for using the space but also to think on the importance of how gift-giving as a ritual can help in long-term thinking. Much of this sets the foundation for the grande finale garden party and provides kindling for discussions related to time and long-term thinking.
In this workshop we will work together to print and paint with natural dyes and found objects, blindfolded, on recuperated bunting flags. These will then be used as decoration for the grande finale garden party celebrating the end of the part 1 workshops. There will also be time for making your own bunting piece or prints to take home if you so wish (blindfolded or not).
The bunting flags will be gifted to Losæter as a thank you for using the space but also to think on the importance of how gift-giving as a ritual can help in long-term thinking. Much of this sets the foundation for the grande finale garden party and provides kindling for discussions related to time and long-term thinking.
We humans can only imagine how trees feel, as it is impossible to mimic, and one way to take us one step closer to this imagination can be by removing sight so as to feel in new ways of getting information about our environment. Sensing the world around us is another way of getting knowledge about it.
Practical info:
- Blindfolds will be provided but you’re welcome to bring
a scarf or piece of fabric if you so wish
- All materials, dyes, fabric, etc… will be provided
- This workshop is for participants aged 8 and up.
Children must be accompanied by a guardian.
- Price: free (you have to book your place)
- Contact info for booking: lizzgrunw@gmail.com
- Max 15 participants.
- Time: 2hrs.
Workshop leader: Liz Grunwald
Workshop Mycellium: Zoe Jo Rae, Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
No prior knowledge in natural dyes is necessary for participating.
Cover photo: Liz Grunwald
Workshop Mycellium: Zoe Jo Rae, Mari Jerstad, Eliana Vero
No prior knowledge in natural dyes is necessary for participating.
Cover photo: Liz Grunwald
‘WELCOME TO YOUR DESCENDANT’S 90TH BIRTHDAY PARTY !’
GARDEN PARTY DINNER AND CELEBRATION FOR THE END OF PART 1 ‘(RE)LEARNING TREE-TIME’.
Sun. 12. May 2024 at Losæter - 5pm to 9pm.
Picture taken by Liz Grunwald
Join us to celebrate the end of the first part of the ‘(Re)learning tree-time’ art project for a garden party evening of imagination and long-term thinking. In this garden party, we will enact a speech from our future descendants to our past selves and celebrate sustainable rituals that help us think long-term.
Imagine one of your descendants two generations into the future. What would they think of you, their ancestor ? How has your way of life shaped who they are? What sort of anecdotes would they remember about you? How will you be remembered as an ancestor?
Imagine this future descendant of yours and put yourself in their shoes on their 90th birthday party. As they’re about to raise a glass to thank their friends for coming to their party, they remember the hawthorn tree that you, their ancestor, planted all these years ago, and decide to talk about you instead. The exercise is to act out that speech: what will your descendants remember about you?
Just like the passing on of knowledge seen through the part 1 ‘(Re)learning tree-time’ workshops, old trees connecting to young trees by gifting their wood to support their growth, we humans are connected to our ancestors, past and future. Time is not linear, but cyclical, as seen in the ecological cycles of nature. Our ancestors, past and future are with us, in the actions that they have taken/are taking/will take. Being aware of this connection also builds long-term thinking. The older trees are connected to the younger trees, who in turn become older trees.
Imagine one of your descendants two generations into the future. What would they think of you, their ancestor ? How has your way of life shaped who they are? What sort of anecdotes would they remember about you? How will you be remembered as an ancestor?
Imagine this future descendant of yours and put yourself in their shoes on their 90th birthday party. As they’re about to raise a glass to thank their friends for coming to their party, they remember the hawthorn tree that you, their ancestor, planted all these years ago, and decide to talk about you instead. The exercise is to act out that speech: what will your descendants remember about you?
Just like the passing on of knowledge seen through the part 1 ‘(Re)learning tree-time’ workshops, old trees connecting to young trees by gifting their wood to support their growth, we humans are connected to our ancestors, past and future. Time is not linear, but cyclical, as seen in the ecological cycles of nature. Our ancestors, past and future are with us, in the actions that they have taken/are taking/will take. Being aware of this connection also builds long-term thinking. The older trees are connected to the younger trees, who in turn become older trees.
Practical information:
-Open to all those who participated in the part 1 workshops and to the public.
- Price: free (you need to email to book your place)
- Email to book your place and inform about any food allergies: lizzgrunw@gmail.com
- Menu to be decided closer to the event. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on site.
- Max: 25 participants.
-Open to all those who participated in the part 1 workshops and to the public.
- Price: free (you need to email to book your place)
- Email to book your place and inform about any food allergies: lizzgrunw@gmail.com
- Menu to be decided closer to the event. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on site.
- Max: 25 participants.
PART 2- AUTUMN 2024
More info to come soon !
TRÆR I GAMLEBYEN’ SUN. 15. SEPTEMBER 2024 at Losæter - 2pm to 4.30pm
There are numerous remarkable trees in Oslo. We want to use some time to appreciate and listen to them. Using our senses to feel our relation to our surroundings, in this case trees, allows us to connect with it. Maybe empathise with it. Maybe realise that trees are a physical manifestation of time and can act as a conduit for long-term thinking. This walk prepares the foundation for a closer connection to trees.
We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
Please bring:We will visit some of the old trees in Gamlebyen and end up at Losæter. Participants are invited to choose one of the trees we pass to work with. You will be given some simple sensory instructions and invited to take notes.
Then we will walk to Losæter for some tree-tea and tree-talk.
- A notebook
- Something to write with
- Curiosity
- Sitteunderlag
- Outdoor clothes according to the weather
Meet up: Middelalderparken busstopp/ tram stop
Price: Free (you need to book your place)
Email to book your spot: relearningtreetime@gmail.com
Walk leader: Mari Jerstad
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Mimmi Koponen.
Walk mycelium: Liz Grunwald, Zoe Joe Rae, Eliana Vero
This workshop is for anyone who can sit quietly for 40 minutes and who can write. This is a dual language event in English and Norwegian.
The event picture is taken by Mimmi Koponen.