Ever wondered what the world might be like if trees had eyes? What they might see over the years of their lives? And perhaps even what they might show us? If so, you're in the right place. A few years ago I wondered the same thing, and it's been my mission to answer the question ever since. Now in my final year of studying Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, see how my project is evolving by using the links below, and perhaps discover for yourself what the world might be like If Trees Had Eyes.

- Kathryn Sainsbury-Wilkes, owner and creator of If Trees Had Eyes.

Welcome to the site

1. Mission Statement

One crisp winter’s day while walking in a park with my mother in our home city of Birmingham, we came across a six-hundred-year-old Spanish chestnut tree. This moment would go on to inspire the project, where I would first ask 'What would life be like if trees had eyes?'.

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3. Making Cameras

Designs made, it was time to start creating. Watch this series of 3 short films showing how the cameras were made, from chopping the planks to installing, all in the same woods.

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5. Results

After installing the cameras and waiting patiently for periods ranging from a day to three months, some results could finally be gathered, giving the first glimpse into the vision of a tree.

7. Development Outcomes

Though this project is only just beginning, the first term of the final year of University has come to an end. See the results of this term here; a roundup of what has been achieved so far.

2. Planning and Research

Idea in mind, the first step was to start sketching, and begin the long process of researching. Here is a digital record of the notebook that slowly developed throughout the project

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4. Trees and Install

There were many factors in what made the perfect tree. Weeks of searching, planning, and seeking permissions were needed before the first camera could be installed.

6. Delving Deeper

Though not all trees produced recognisable images, the process meant that every piece of paper had recorded a chemical record of the trees which was waiting to be discovered under a microscope.

8. About the Artist

No art-project website is complete without an artist's bio, and this is no exception. Click 'View More' to find out more about the artist behind the project, as well as to see contact information.