Here is the audio only of the title and question for each tagged tree

I have now put in a movie of the images at art prize

My first ever attempt at making a video with a Droid hand held phone camera.  You will find my inexperience quite evident when you watch.  My helper and I did not think to hold the device on a horizontal plane.  I hope you will watch and I would love any comments about my skill or lack of skill with this video, but the message of the marks are there.  I will transcribe the thoughts with some stills in my next post. 

Images of the trees on the billboards at Artprize

Well here I am with one of the billboard images.  I can not begin to explain just how the massive scale changes to look of the image mark.  Not only that but the feeling of the actual text with the image.

The area where these are located makes the image visible from the major road for Grand Rapids.  I hope now to receive comments from individuals attending this amazing art event.  The species Artist if far from extinct in this area.

Just arrived in Grand Rapids for Artprize

I am e very excited about seeing the images of the trees and their marks as part of the public art venue as part of Artprize.  The scale should really change the entire statment of each mark and their related question about bio-diversity.  My first video will be posted later this evening as I meet with art patrons and discuss the works and hopefully get some new comments about the language of the marks.

Several interesting comments I have received about the symbolism of each mark on the tagged trees

Currently selections of the Tagged series are on view in the Mosley Gallery on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.  I placed a notebook with the images and asked viewers to comment on the image and the painted mark on each tree.  Along with each work, the bio-diversity questions are located with the titles and individuals have answered the questions.  Today I have put together a survey of some responses.  I have found the comments of one particular individual to be most intriguing.  It really speaks to the reason for the images and this blog.

The two images presented had a profound effect on this individual.
In our discussion she let me know she was from the continent of Africa and that wrapping any kind of red material or painting the a tree with red had spiritual significance.

"A tree tie in red signified danger.  The people in Nigeria believe that it is spiritual.  Women are not allowed to touch it. When you do that, something strange can happen to you.  They also believe on a tree that is cut a fluid like blood is coming out of it.  It is regarded as evil tree.  The tree is not found in the city, it is found in the  forest, Cevil forest.  Women seeing their monthly discharge do not come close or touch any red tied tree, it can seize the monthly period, if you do come to close you must go the chief priest with cola nut and gin to be cleansed."
Her words are so important, they express just how simple marks become universal, true symbols deeply embedded into many cultures.
It makes me wonder how many different meanings the marks could possibly have.  I welcome your comments.

September 13 - thoughts and request for comments

Today I placed several more images into the slide show.  Each asks you a question, and I hope you will enter the dialogue and leave me your comments.  The images are on view, look and I hope think.

First entry

Hello and welcome to a blog about art, symbols, and bio diversity.  I hope you will take a look at my links and images and contribute your ideas about what each mark means.
My first need is for you all to go to my links and take a look at the Artprize site to see my artist statement about these images.  Look for the next post with peoples ideas and comments with the images.