What Gowns Crafted from Tree Barks can teach us about Transformation!

Have you ever considered the silent stories that a tree's bark might tell about life and death? This thought-provoking concept comes to life through the incredible work of artist and dear friend Christyne Forti, who has created stunning gowns from raw palm tree barks. Each piece is not just a garment but a narrative woven into the fabric of nature. Afterall, we are all - every living human, plant and animal- threads that weave in and out of the grand tapestry of life.

Yet, we humans consider ourselves bigger and better than hummingbirds, palm trees, bees or lilies that delight our everyday existence!

The fact is if human beings didn't exist the planet would continue to flourish. But the extinction of even ONE beautiful insect like the bee, the 'life-pollinator'-humans would perish.

How often do we walk past trees or plants, dismissing them as lifeless or dead? In her artistry, Christyne challenges this perception by selecting exquisite barks that have lived their full lives, each telling its own unique
story while fulfilling its role in nature's grand design.

These barks are transformed into beautiful dresses, showcasing what true couture means: handmade artistry perfected by the natural world. It's a remarkable blend of human creativity and nature's inherent beauty. Through this process, we are reminded that like the barks of trees-though they may eventually wither-we too can embrace our own transformations over time.

Christyne's exhibition called KELAPA symbolizes more than just fashion; it represents the cyclical nature of life itself-where decay leads to new beginnings and rejuvenation. Each gown becomes not only an object of beauty but also a testament to life's intricate cycles.

Whether viewed as wooden attire or as an embodiment of life's journey, these creations invite us to reflect on our connection with nature and our place within it.

Bandana Tewari
Cultural Journalist & Sustainability advocate

All artworks displayed are courtesy of BIASA Art, and Not For Sale
art@biasagroup.com | www.art.biasagroup.com