Jack Gescheidt

Photography – San Francisco

In 2003, after an emotional breakdown and months-long healing, I was moved and inspired by one giant, ancient oak tree, hundreds of years old. I began visualizing images of people in and among trees; in relationship with trees. I\'ve always felt at peace in nature, but now I felt more, and could visualize more. In 2007, after making \"TreeSpirit\" photographs for four years, I was invited to organize one to support environmental activists on the UC Berkeley, CA campus who were living in a grove of mature oak trees slated to be cut down to make way for a gymnasium. Over 150 citizens gathered peacefully to make a TreeSpirit photograph to raise awareness of these trees, beloved by the community — and of ALL trees, beyond their monetary value as building material and paper product, but for the critical role they play in our lives in so many ways. Because trees seem commonplace, they are usually taken for granted. I\'ve found my vision, my voice, my passion, and my purpose, among trees—advocating for their appreciation. I’ve learned my camera can be a catalyst for positive social and environmental change. Photographs can reach people emotionally in ways words cannot, reminding them that trees are, and have always been, a source of human community and healing. All TreeSpirit participants are volunteers, and many report healing experiences making photographs. Thanks to the media and the internet, TreeSpirit images have touched tens of thousands of human hearts.