#TimeForTrees

Worthing was once a thriving tourism resort. Now it conveys a sense of nostalgia and renewal.

The 6 trees on West Parade were shot each month for a year (July 2017 - June 2018).

Taking these images was my mediation, my monthly escape.

On one hand the work traces the meteorological conditions of the British coast and it capture the fine textures of leaves, water and sky. However, with harsh westerly winds some of the palms have not developed equally well. There is a phillosphical and universally acessible notion in the work too.

In ancient cultures and religions the palm tree symbolises elements of attainment, resurrection, welcoming and the soul’s return to its inner source. It also stands for peace, victory and fertility.

Polynesians, Iberians, Assyrians and Egyptians considered palms as the tree of life. It has been an important source of food, clothing and shelter for thousands of years. All parts of it can be used with hardly any waste. Some went as far as to say that the palm tree possesses divine attributes.

My palm sets stand as a metaphor for humble beginnings, reflection and renewal. They are a metaphor for passing time and as a collective they question preconceived ideas of beauty and perfection. A Wabi Sabi of Photography. Furthermore, the images reflect on the democracy of public space, the beach, available to us all - or is it?
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The month of July 2017 has been invited to “Seaside: Photographed” a group show starting 25 May - 8 Sept. 2019 at Turner Contemporary in Margate curated by Val Williams and Karen Shepherdson. It will go on tour during 2020. The palms also features as chapter cover in the book with the same title, published by Thames & Hudson (23rd May 2019).

I have recently been awarded the Woodland Trust “Urban Trees” Community Project pack and look to gain funding to establish a community enagement strategy for 2020. Fostering well-being and new ideas through photography & trees.

Fuerthermore, I am looking for print sponsors for the remaining 11 months. Do get in touch with any ideas.

The aim of the project is to create a long term body of work encompassing routine, mindfulness, community and play.

This series belongs to the overarching concept: Take Your Time Not Your Life (Nimm Dir Zeit Nicht Das Leben) and it’s ongoing. Another strand that has recently developed is #TimeForSpace also known as “Death by Supernova”.

All images © Julia Horbaschk. Contact for enquiries.

Worthing Palms June 2018. NE 8. Scattered clouds. 73%, 17°C, feels like 17°C.

Worthing Palms May 2018. No data.

Worthing Palms April 2018. WNW 11. Passing Clouds. 85%. 8° feels like 5°

Worthing Palms March 2018. ESE 2. Good. Chance of rain 14%. 8°

Worthing palms 2018. February. NE 15. Very Good. 49%. 3° feels like -1°

Worthing palms 2018. January. Moderate. W 5. 95%. 7°

Worthing palms 2017. December. Very good. N 5. 84%. 4°

Worthing palms 2017. November. Very good. SSW 7. 62%. 7°

Worthing palms 2017. October. SSE 6. fog. 94%. 12°

Worthing palms 2017. September. SSE 4. Moderate. 79%. 14°

Worthing palms 2017. August. SSW 10. Very Good. 64%. 17°

Worthing palms 2017. July. SSW 8. Good. 72%. 16°