Nature nominee

In The Guru series, a venerable ancient lime tree is sitting in meditation with its disciples. These spiritual warriors gather within a few meters of each other, standing firmly, exuding courage, fearlessness and calm. They are Keepers of the ancient law of life.

This series was inspired by Herman Hesse who said “Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth. They do not preach learning and precepts, they preach, undeterred by particulars, the ancient law of life.” (Bäume: Betratungen und Gedichte)

I have repeatedly visited these trees over the years, somewhere in England. They have become mentors and friends, guiding me through the challenge and noise of our modern world and promoting inner peace. The series seeks to reveal the powerful wisdom of the natural world.

The camera’s low viewpoint and shortened gaze tell of the magnitude of these trees. In each image the eye is lead upwards as though we crouch low in a position of worship.

Wingfield is a self taught fine art digital photography artist based in London. She draws her inspiration from the natural world. Concentrating on long-term projects, her practice is driven by an urge to uncover and explore the purity and deep mystery of our ecosphere throughout the world and to monumentalise the small and often overlooked flora and fauna that are intrinsic to life on this planet. The work is characterised by an unashamed quest for the beauty infused in landscape and the feeling of awe that it triggers and nurtures. She was awarded bronze in the PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2023 in the Nature/ Earth category.