Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera) – Ink and Inktense in a Watercolour Moleskine
Following on from the previous post – another noticeable Birch tree. This is probably not a true Paper Birch as the trunk is not as white as might be expected. When our housing estate was completed, around 30 years ago, specimen trees were planted in folks gardens. This lovely tree is probably a hybrid, or more than one type, but is magnificent nevertheless. It is only around 20 feet tall unlike the native American specimens, around three times this height, where it is known as the “White Birch” or “Canoe Birch”.This one “peels” throughout the year but seems to be more noticeable now. I wonder if the hard winter has accelerated the process of shedding the bark? If it is a hybrid then propagation, from seed, would be virtually impossible but this is not a bad thing as I believe that all trees, in all countries, should be propagated from native stock making them more resistant to disease. There is a programme, aimed primarily at young children, in Scotland where the seed of native species is collected at the end of the year. Instructions are given on methods of stratification etc and the young plants are planted, in remote and waste grounds, when they are a couple of years old. Give it a go. Its a fine legacy to leave.
This is a painting study reproducing the lovely work from a...
Shachihoko 9:45 am on April 15, 2010 | #
We have those in the US too.. Every time I see those trees in that condition. I always get the urge to start peeling it for no reason. I do not know why.
trebor61 1:34 am on April 16, 2010 | #
I can understand your urge to peel this bark. Its so inviting – a bit like a “Wet Paint” sign
Nuria 1:40 pm on April 16, 2010 | #
Very nice Bob!.
j. stremikis 5:37 pm on April 16, 2010 | #
Bob – nice work –
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I recognize it immediately – we have 2 “clumps” of these in our backyard.
Our neighbour Dan, a landscaper, gave them to us on the 20th of April,
1990, as twigs. And, they now tower over our garage – I’d estimate at 60
to 70 feet.
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Here, we call them “river birch” – easily recognized by their color, the fact
that they’re always “exfoliating”, but particularly in the springtime. Right
now, the birds a busily peeling away for nest-building.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_nigra (river birch).
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We also have paper birch in and around the town, and in the farmers’
woodlots or near the marshes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betula_papyrifera (paper birch).
j. stremikis 5:45 pm on April 16, 2010 | #
just a wee bit more on the paper birch:
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The bark of the paper birch tree provides an excellent writing material. Usually, a stylus of either bone, metal or wood is used to inscribe these ideographs on the soft inner bark. Black charcoal is often used to fill the scratches to make them easier to see. To form a scroll, pieces of inscribed bark are stitched together using wadab (cedar or spruce roots.
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Wiigwaasabak (Ojibwe language, plural: wiigwaasabakoon) are birch bark scrolls, on which the Ojibwa (Anishinaabe) people of North America wrote complex geometrical patterns and shapes. When used specifically for Midewiwin ceremonial use, these scrolls are called mide-wiigwaas. These writings enabled the memorization of complex ideas, and passing along history and stories to succeeding generations.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiigwaasabak
trebor61 4:46 am on April 18, 2010 | #
Gracias Guria
Thank you Nuria
trebor61 4:47 am on April 18, 2010 | #
Interesting links John. Good of you to post these. I’m away out to steal some of my neighbour’s bark. Lets hope its not worse than his bite
j. stremikis 10:19 am on April 18, 2010 | #
take care !! in this case, “bark” and “bite” are good things:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazinibaganjigan
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In English, this has been described either as “Birch bark bitings” or “Birch bark transparencies.” Using the eyeteeth to bite, the bite pressures can either pierce the bark pieces into a lace or just make certain areas thinner to allow for light to pass through. If the bark piece is carefully folded, symmetrical designs can also be made onto it. Many of the designs that are used contain symbological and religious significance to the Ojibwa.
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Birch bark bitings can be used in storytelling, as patterns for quillwork and beadwork, as well as finished pieces of art.
my first “moley” pages were in fact made from birchbark. it’s an amazing surface. I’ll bet your Palominos or your Derwent “Inktense” would easily (and surprisingly) take to the bark.
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http://www.skineart.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif
trebor61 1:39 am on April 20, 2010 | #
Sorry John. Just noticed this. Although comments, on other peoples posts are sent, by email, to me, strangely ones connected to my own work are not and there is a danger that any reply might be forfeited.
What a fascinating piece of information. It probably doesn’t occur to many, including myself, that “so called, primitive peoples” would have to use methods, unconventional to us, to record information on readily available material. This sort of thing, described here, seems so obvious – once it is highlighted. I wonder what the native Americans would have done with Palominos or Inktense?