Group 5 has finished their creative challenge and we are excited to present to you their final photos of the character created. The theme for their challenge was to create an ent in clay, with magical abilities that lives in the deep dark forests of Helsinglight. When we have presented the final work by every creative challenger/contestant in group 5 we will announce the winner of the group that will advance and compete in the finals later on. This is the final result by Robin Tynan, creative challenger, group 5.
"The Story Keeper” by Robin Tynan
Since staying at Helsinglight in 2019 I have loved their creativity and support for creators. The Creative Challenge has been a great opportunity to stretch my skills and try something new while getting to know other artists. Helsinglight have given us great support and energy to really make something fun and interesting. Pleased to be a supporter of Helsinglight!
The Story Keeper
There is an ancient yew tree in the forest by your house. It's roots spread like long limbs across the earth floor while light shines through it's bows. They say that the tree is magic. They say the tree whispers stories when the wind blows through its needles. They say it collects the stories of the dead.
Those long reaching roots seek out each creature that dies in that forest. As the flesh decays it becomes nutrients that feed the tree making it strong. As the body decays the stories and memories of the creature are absorbed by the tree and held in its branches.
People visit the tree, following a root like a path. Many leave offerings. Some speak to the tree as if talking to lost loved ones. Others ask questions hoping that the knowledge of a thousand creatures will provide the answer they need. Some say the tree smiles. Some say it is just imagination. Some say the tree talks. Some say it’s just the wind. But people still visit and the roots still grow.
You’ve never known what to believe. It is probably just an old tree and a comforting story but there is something magical here and rumour of all sorts of spirits that live in the forest. It doesn’t hurt to respect it when you chance upon it in the forest. Years pass: you bury your beloved pets in the forest when they die. When your father dies his ashes are scattered in the forest he loved. Your life continues and the yew tree grows.
One day as the world becomes chaotic, with war and oppression, global warming and animals dying, illness and fear spreading rapidly, you realise you must find out what to do. There is one living thing that maybe holds the answers. An ancient yew tree, whose roots meander through the forest. You make your way there quietly, appreciating the warm light and the melody of bird song. Reaching it you look at it’s twisted trunk before gently making an offering of your best compost. You trace the contours and shapes seeing things that could be bones or fossils trapped in the mighty yew’s bark. Taking a deep breath, you look up and ask “How do we make this better? What can you tell me from everything you have learned?”.
The minutes pass and you think perhaps they were just fables and that this is just a tree. As you sit though, the birdsong goes quiet and the rustling of wind in branches sounds more harmonious, more ordered. You look up at the tree once again and see the swirling knots and twists of bark rearranging themselves into a face. With a crack of bark the eyelids open and kind wooden eyes peer at you. They seem to be considering you. Then, another splintering sound as the smiling lips part and the murmur of branches and leaves becomes a clear voice.
“I will tell you the stories of my roots.
- Robin Tynan
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