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Student Narrative
I was wondering why weeping willows droop down when they seem to have all the space above to reach upwards. Their branches descending against the norm of trees seeking the sun. While the tree's main growth aims upward, its branches sway downward, prompting my curiosity. Could it be an evolutionary adaptation for seed dispersal or enhanced endurance of winds I wondered. Perhaps it aids in capturing more sunlight or nutrients? However, my research unveiled a fascinating truth - it was a genetic mutation that humans propagated to live on just because they liked how it looked! This paradox of nature, both eerie and enchanting, inspired me to create this poem. The shape of the book is inspired by the wispy tendrils of willow trees and the branch in the spine of the book is a willow tree branch that I found lying on the ground near the willow tree I was observing over the course of a month.
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Description
Entry for the 11th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest. Opening reception and award ceremony Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6:30pm, Fleet Library, Main Reading Room. Juror: Roger S. Williams.
Keywords
artists' books; Baker & Whitehill
Disciplines
Book and Paper
Student Status
Undergraduate student
Year of Graduation
2026
Major
Illustration
Faculty / Course
Hope Leeson; Winter Tree Watching
Materials + Techniques
Chalk pastel, fabric, cardstock, yarn, string, found willow tree branch
Photo Credit
Miles Tong 2025 FAV
Recommended Citation
Cheng, Mia Kei; Collections, Special; and Library, Fleet, "Why Weep?" (2024). 11th Baker & Whitehill Student Artists' Book Contest 2025. 4.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/bookcontest11th2025/4
