This project consists in a personal seach of naturally-shaped trees in the entire Japan that have a close connection with the tradtional ink-painting (sumi-e). This Japanese painting has always been an important source of inspiration and has influenced my work about minimalist lakes and coastlines sceneries.
This ‘Trees of Japan’ series has started 10 years ago on the routes of Bouddhist pilgrimages where I regularly spend time for my ongoing project about the sacred statuary in holy mountains. Somehow, unlike other Asian countries, I deeply feel that these Japanese trees have a spiritual presence in the landscapes. They pertain to contemplative sceneries that have inspired generations of philosophers, painters and artists over time.
