Tim Stead - Axes for Trees

Axes for Trees

“From January 9th 1986 I have been making one wooden axe head for each day of the year. Each one is made from a native home grown wood, signed and dated. The money exchanged for these wooden axes will be used to plant broad leafed trees. This will be done in several ways, the propagation of seeds to distribute, finding local areas where trees can be planted through farms and local authorities, and to buy land and begin to create a forest.

The axe head should be seen as a symbol rather than an ornament, whose beginning is ancient and is found in every culture. It lacks the speed and noise of the chain saw, but the beauty of its shape combines weight and cutting edge with rhythm and balance.

I derive great pleasure from the wood I use. It is a wonderful and mysterious material to work with. I feel that I should at least put back what I have used as a debt to the people long dead who planted or allowed to grow the trees which I now use.

Our debt to trees goes back to the beginning time and our futures are linked to the end of time.”

Tim Stead