No look at tree art would be complete without profiling the practice of Pooktre. The hobby of training/shaping living trees and other woody plants into living art has been around for centuries and is known as Pooktre (aka arborsculpture.) It continues today by skilled arborists and enthusiastic green thumbs around the globe.
Here's a great link to the history, a world tour of the art
and a how-to to growing your own living chair and fence.
Living fiscus trees... amazing!
The following (also pics #2 & 3) were shaped by Axel Erlandson, one of the most famous Pooktre artists of the 20th century. At one point, in the late 1940's, he had over 55 shaped trees on his grounds in an attraction he called "Tree Circus" The above link is a great look at his life and contribution to the art form.
I have never seen anything like this before, or even heard of Pooktre. They are amazing! See we learn something new each day in Blogland!
ReplyDeleteI've seen photos of such trees before, but always assumed they were just photoshopped. So pooktre is real?
ReplyDeleteTracey, You're so right - I know I learn something everyday in Blogland :)
ReplyDeleteDebra, Yes, it is indeed real! I've seen some photoshopped pics (one is a large tree in the shape of a head) kicking around on the net, but the one's I've profiled (and on the links) are the real deal.
They are truly amazing - I'd never heard of Pooktre either. It must be painstaking work, but the results are marvellous!
ReplyDeleteJane...theses are unbelievable!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, these are amazing. I've never heard of this. The one that looks like a chair is astonishing.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! Now I know why I read blogs - it's to learn :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Incredible! Thanks for posting these!
ReplyDeleteI like visiting you because I learn so much! I have never heard of this Pooktre, bit oh. goodness. those are some beautiful trees shaped into works of art!
ReplyDeletePooktre, an art form I never knew about, only the results of. Amazing work and certainly teaches patience.
ReplyDeleteAnother great "Did You Know This " from Jane.
I would love to have that chair-tree in my yard, I have just the spot for it. If I get started now I may just be able to sit in it when I'm 90....lol.
Interesting, but I am more in the mind of leaving trees to grow as near to nature as possible...
ReplyDeletebut hey, I did train my ivy to grow around a coathanger that I bent into a heart shape, does that count?
Amazing!! I have seen very few pictures of this art form, and frankly didn't know it was an art form. I should cultivate such patience!! It is hard enough waiting for the spring flowers - imagine waing a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great comments everyone. I'm pleased to have introduced many of you to Pooktre :) It's certainly not a hobby for those who require instant gratification!! That tree chair is easily my favourite piece.
ReplyDeleteKay, A heart-shaped ivy sounds like a fun project. Did you happen to take any pics of yours?
I knew about tree shaping, but didn't know it had a name!!! I am continually awed by the creativity that humans have and the patience to do all the different kinds of art! Pooktre is amazing!!
ReplyDeleteTotally "mind blowing" and amazing...again, I've never seen anything like this!
ReplyDeleteThe chair tree rules.
ReplyDeleteBesides the "tree-chair" (which I would love to have one) I REALLY like the archway! Imagine having this on your driveway.
ReplyDelete