Claire Todd introduces her new audiovisual piece about standing deadwood.

alive, alive oh is an observational piece which challenges our concept of idyll by reflecting on some of the overlooked Edens found within our landscapes.  The primary elements explore the form and purpose of standing deadwood, which often appear human in their shape and structure, and become almost an allegory to the sometimes less than flattering societal views of ageing.

These trees demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the shedding of their old forms and symbolise a new purpose and life amidst apparent loss of self. This overall sentiment underscores the vitality found in decay and change; encapsulating the cycle of life and renewal in nature.  The imagery is composed using footage of standing deadwood which has been sectioned and arranged over split screen frames in order to generate imagery that is suggestive of the wildlife that they host; appearing almost totemic in the essential role that they play in the biodiversity of our natural habitats. The musical score was developed using field recordings of the wind passing through pylons; a sound like the singing of sirens that is generated when the wind blows from certain directions. These sounds are accompanied by the crackling of corona discharge.

Words, film and score written and produced by Claire Todd. Watch here.

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See Claire’s previous contributions to Caught by the River here.