Today we’d like to introduce you to Tree Johnson.
Hi Tree, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As the grandchild to sharecroppers my introduction to nature is as early as I can recall to walk. Whether it was my mother taking me to a garden as a child or my father walking me through sugar cane. Nature showed me life and reminded me how important it is to water myself.
I am an urban planner by trade preparing to study architecture. Much of my practice focuses on analyzing how cities can better prioritize healing, wellness, and accessibility through design and land uses. I begin my biophilic career about two years ago. God led me so I immersed myself in this practice.
Now I lead plant design for art galleries, hotels, restaurants, and DJ sets. I converted my Jeep into a mobile plant store. I host potting parties where the community can get their plants repotted and learn from one another. Out The Trunk is a testament to the beauty in our own lives and the power of the life around us that continues to heal, protect, feed, and water us.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
All that has happened is being done for me not to me. I don’t believe any road is meant to be smooth. I hike often. And one of the most prominent lessons I learned is most of the time the more treacherous path will bring you to a scenic scape beyond your own imagination. I think that is true in life as well.
At this point in my journey I’m just grateful enough to believe in my own ability to be creative and see each day as a new opportunity to grow. With that said, every day is a new struggle that challenges me. Whether it is being punctual, or being honest about my capacity so I may not be able to take on every project. But that never discourages me not to try.
“I have faced every emotion. The only distinguishing factor between me and someone else who has gone through this is that I didn’t quit” – Nipsey Hussle
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a biophilic designer/sculptor and community Gardner. I curate spaces with an array of different plants. The goal is to reconnect spaces beyond the walls that exclude experience through the living materials of flowers, plants, wood, and upcycle materials.
I am known for turning art galleries and apartment lobbies into plant stores. I also have been experimenting with building living frames which are frames for paintings but are built to be vases to hold bouquets, encapsulating the piece in flowers along the trim of the frame.
Plants and nature are usually excluded from communities like mine. OTT is meant to bring nature to community for those who may not have access to it on the regular basis. Most of my sculptures are built off distorted metal I find at scrap yards. The goal is to present them to the world in a way that was beyond their original purpose. Life through the lens of imagination and resilience
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Feel free to shine bright… you owe it to your future, past, and present
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outthetrunk.studio/
- Instagram: Wheretheleavesbe
