Between 1922 and 1963 a California farmer, surveyor and orchardist named Axel Erlandson designed and trained trees into sculptural and architectural forms unique in horticultural history.
Axel expanded that ancient science to include chairs, towers, ladders, spiral staircases and enclosures that could be grown, rather than built. He eventually displayed his creations in a roadside attraction outside of Santa Cruz, which he named the "Tree Circus".
Mark Primack discovered Erlandon’s neglected and dying trees in 1977, shortly after completing his Masters thesis on ‘Botanic Architecture’ at the Architectural Association of London.
His efforts to document Axel’s work, to write their history, and to protect and preserve the surviving trees were themselves fading into obscurity when his friends at the Museum of Jurassic Technology convinced him to present, in words and images (many for the first time) his remarkable record of a dedicated visionary and a creative genius.
Mark Primack will speak on the genius of Axel Erlandson, founder of the World Famous Tree Circus and visionary pioneer of Botanic Architecture.
SATURDAY, May 24, 2008, 8PM at the Culver City Foshay Lodge No 467 (9635 Venice Blvd, Culver City). A reception will follow at the Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City). $10 General; $8 Museum members, students & seniors
More images can be seen at: www.arborsmith.com/treecircus.html
People should read this.
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