A History in Rings

6’ x 8.5” x 8.5”

Crochet Thread, Acrylic Yarn, Glass Beads, & Metal Hoops

In Collaboration with Dr. Evan Larson, Professor and Principal investigator of the Tree-Ring, Earth, and Environmental Sciences Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville.

This piece is inspired by the stories trees hold within their rings and the information they share with those who know how to look. Dendrochronologists are the scientists decoding tree ring patterns to determine historical rainfall, temperature, and fire patterns. Every year, trees add a ring of new growth to their trunk, allowing dendrochronologists to count the rings and determine the age of a tree. In years with higher rainfall, trees grow more to accommodate the increased water flow, producing thicker rings. During years of drought, they don’t have the resources to grow as much, resulting in thinner rings. Can you tell how old this tree is? During what years did it experience plentiful rain?

Creative inspiration can come from anywhere, from the lace-like structure of a tree’s internal cells to tree-core data that maps climate patterns over centuries. I hope this piece inspires you to learn about the stories captured by the world around us and leaves you with a greater appreciation for the timescale forests represent.