At 50 years old, internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram is shifting his focus from temporary installations to permanent legacy projects that will outlive him. His latest ambitious work, Echo Wood, represents a profound departure from his previous global exhibitions - a living sculpture of 365 native British trees that will take a full century to reach maturity.
A Living Legacy in Somerset's Landscape
Jerram, best known for his spectacular seven-metre installations of the Earth, moon and Sun, has partnered with the charity Avon Needs Trees to plant 365 trees including crabapple, hawthorn and oak in Somerset's Chew Valley. The living artwork will gradually transform into a vast 110-metre-wide design over the coming decades, long after the artist himself is gone.
"In 50 to 100 years I'm not going to be here," Jerram reflects from his Bristol studio, standing beside a scale model of the project. "I'm at a stage in my career when I'm starting to look forward, I'm not looking back."
From Global Exhibitions to Permanent Planting
With an impressive track record that includes approximately 900 exhibitions across 40 countries and artworks in 80 museum collections worldwide, Jerram acknowledges this project marks a significant turning point. "I'm 50, it might be a midlife crisis," he jokes, before adding seriously: "I can't keep these levels of energy up forever. There's something quite nice about projecting yourself into a future."
The Echo Wood installation will become an integral part of the developing Lower Chew Forest, which at 422 acres and containing 100,000 trees will rank among England's largest new woodlands upon completion. The carefully planned design features pathways guiding visitors through the forest to a central circular gathering space formed by 12 English oak trees.
Creative Space for Future Generations
True to Jerram's artistic philosophy of fostering community creativity, the central clearing will serve as a multifunctional event space. "It can be used for weddings or educational activities, music, poetry, you name it," he explains, envisioning the woodland as both an artistic statement and practical community asset.
This project represents Jerram's most direct engagement with environmental themes that have consistently appeared throughout his career. His previous works including Gaia (Earth), Helios (Sun) and Tipping Point (forest fires) have all touched upon climate concerns, but Echo Wood moves beyond symbolism to tangible action.
"This is a way to physically do something about it," Jerram states. "Using creativity to inspire the general public, but also to help even use trees to raise a bit of money and create a legacy."
Hope Amid Climate Crisis
Despite acknowledging the frightening reality of climate tipping points, Jerram maintains an optimistic perspective. He references a poignant comic illustration where Earth tells a doctor: "I'm afraid we've got a nasty infection of humans at the moment," to which the doctor replies: "Don't worry, it'll soon pass."
"We're just the latest invasive species," Jerram observes wryly, yet his actions demonstrate commitment to positive change rather than resignation.
The project incorporates sustainable principles throughout its lifecycle. The wood will eventually be harvested responsibly for educational and creative projects before replanting ensures the cycle continues. "I like the idea of what can you then do with the wood - turn the oak into playground equipment for schools in the city, or create a boat, or musical instruments for kids," Jerram envisions.
Dave Wood, chief executive of Avon Needs Trees, describes Echo Wood as "a symbol of optimism to us and future generations that with some thought, creativity and determination we can meet the climate and nature crises we're facing." He adds: "Not quite a message in a bottle but a message in wood, water and sunlight."
Through corporate and individual tree sponsorship, the project will raise funds for Avon Needs Trees' broader reforestation efforts across the region. The charity hopes Jerram's involvement will engage new audiences who might not otherwise connect with environmental conservation work.
As Jerram's trees take root in Somerset soil, they represent not just an artistic statement but a living commitment to future generations - a legacy that will grow and flourish long after the artist's lifetime, creating both natural beauty and practical creative space for centuries to come.
