Photography by Eileen Hall and Henry Hoffman
Words by Tamsin Cunningham
Following the steep forest trail from the Coangas River to the Shuar settlement of Kuankus is a study in the colour green. The vegetation is thick and the light that filters down through the leaves is tinted by them; a deep, dappled verdant hue. But within this colour scheme lies a wide spectrum of tint, tone, texture and translucency.
Greens that glow like illuminated manuscripts. Greens that seem to refresh the mind just by looking at them. Deep greens that flow from light to dark that carry flowing thoughts with them. Green surfaces that shine smooth in the sunshine; waxy and polished, clean and clear. Greens formed in leafs that might be rubbery or course like sandpaper. Leafs and fronds that turn your mind to something darker, stickier, more secret and more threatening. Greens so delicate that when the light courses through them they seem more like ink poured in the sunlight; hopeful and new. Within just one colour, a whole spectrum of sensation. A whole sea of variations to spark a sea of feelings in those that look closely.
As you look at these images what do you feel? One by one, where does your mind take you or what does your body respond to? How can you begin to mix a full pallette of sensation into the painting that is your reality?
Explore more on the topic of Sensory Awareness:
WITHOUT WORDS
DREAMSEEDS:
THE SENSES AS CREATIVE THRESHOLDS
THE SONG OF THE FOREST