The Belmont Citizens Forum and the Land Management Committee for Lone Tree Hill (LMC) would like to remind readers that the installation of objects, decorations, signs or messaging of any kind on conservation or public land is prohibited without prior written permission of the LMC, Conservation Commission, or other Town authority having jurisdiction.
By Yuval Gur
Environmental degradation and climate-changing behaviors have been part of our lives for many years. Yet, we are still in crisis, whether from microplastics in our oceans, rising sea levels, air pollution, or diminishing living habitats. What if nature could signal us with flashing lights and sounds that are not threatening but compelling?
As a composer and artist, I am pleased to introduce you to the Chickadee Tree, a musical-visual installation on Lone Tree Hill meant to trigger complex conversations about our environment and our perception of art.
As an environmentalist and artist, I wanted to create something that a local community not only could embrace and hold close to their hearts but also critique.
My idea was simple: a daily show of lights and sounds installed in a tree at the top of Lone Tree Hill that would evoke a feeling of calm. I utilized the same technology that bird call whistles use to evoke compelling sounds. And on a good day, you’ll see chickadees roam around the branches of the trees, as the tree itself has called them.
I used 106 recycled acrylic cooling tubes and manufactured all the rest of the materials myself using polylactic acid as its base (a biodegradable polymer that decomposes in eight years). During the first week of the installation, I included a wind turbine-powered lighting system to show that we don’t need batteries to have a beautiful experience. We just need the wind.
On a sunny day, you get to see the tree from afar. The sun that reflects on the tubes gives us a true Christmas show of lights during the day. At night, the moon is reflected by the same tubes.
I did not ask anyone if I could make this installation in the tree. I believe that public art for the people, by the people, should be accessible to create and be consumed by all who want to see it. This is not a rebellious move. On the contrary, it’s a present for the local community of Belmont. I wish I could talk with each and every person who has happened upon the tree at Lone Tree Hill about the whistling effect it provides and to point out all of the organic material and materials recycled from trash that I’ve used. I have given this tree a voice.
I hope I haven’t offended anyone as my intentions were to give nature a voice with recycled and biodegradable materials. I hope that my gift to you has made you smile at least once and that you get to enjoy the lights and sounds it evokes with the wind.
Unfortunately, the turbine broke. I hope the installation will be available to the public until January 20.
I made this tree art for you, dear reader. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy it.
To read about the materials and learn more about the process, go to www.yuvalgur.com/chickadeetree.
Yuval Gur is a composer, producer, and multimedia artist.
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