Members’ Work-in-Progress Meeting: Clare Hewitt Presents

Work-in-Progress (WiP) meetings are for VAMP members to present work that is not yet exhibited, published, or otherwise made public, for discussion with the group. WiP meetings are scheduled three times per year; the group acts as a critical sounding board for new ideas, the atmosphere is always generous and inclusive, and the discussion rigorous – fuelled by cake!

In November 2025, Clare Hewitt discussed her project, Everything in the forest is the forest.

Abstract:

In this presentation I will briefly discuss my body of work, Everything in the forest is the forest, a five-year study of twelve oak trees at The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research. The project began as a response to a government report highlighting rising loneliness and isolation in rural areas of the UK. I became interested in the contrast between human disconnection and arboreal interdependence, and what we might learn from the unity of the forest to shape more connected ways of living.

The behaviour and values of the oak trees have completely reshaped both my practice and my life, encouraging me to be much more ecologically conscious. Alongside a solo touring exhibition built on sustainable principles, I’ve also co-created a compostable photobook with biomaterials, and developed a borrow-and-share system for its distribution.

For more information about VAMP member, Clare Hewitt, click here.