Birch Anatomy

Thin layers of bark curl away like a peeling skin, revealing paler, smoother surfaces beneath, changing from rough and cracked to soft, almost velvety. The new growth emphasises slow, deliberate act of exposure – a visual parallel to the gradual unveiling of self in intimate connection. I wanted to avoid literal representation, instead leaning into the metaphor and suggestion. Light plays across the surface of the tree. Warm golden hour glow on bark mimics the skin, while sharp winter shadows make it look dramatic, tension-filled. The infrared photo style that I used turned whites into the soft fleshy pinks. Blurring the line between the tree and human body suggests that sensuality is not unique to humanity, but woven into the fabric of the natural world. Each image invites the viewer to project their own experiences onto the forms, making it deeply personal while universally resonant.