The Dryads of Greek mythology are tree guardians. Hamadryads, nymph spirits of oak and poplar trees, are connected with river-side trees and sacred groves. When a tree dies a Dryad dies.
By planting native trees we plant spirit back into the land. Cash crop mono-forestry plantations have little or no spirit and do not guardian the land – more a destructive army of regular uniformity… (I should have called this project art-vent rather than advent!)
Though Dryads are usually depicted as beautiful young woman, Clyde Dryad is an ancient, gnarled crone viewing the world with her beady eye … ‘It’s not too late! We are not all gone!’ she creaks to the tiny money spider.
Inspired by the oaks on the River Clyde Walkway.
Clyde Dryad, Mixed Media, 12 x 12 inches
