Amazon Canopy

Being part of the canopy of the forest is relevant for every tree. It is the way to maximise photosynthesis and, therefore, the production of sugars, the basic building materials for the entire ecosystem. It is the place in the forest to be – “Each tree is essential. It is part of The Empire of the Sun” (quote by Professor Roelof Oldeman†, 2021). The food chain starts here.

From a remote-sensing perspective, this art expression tells the story of how the fight for light looks like. Every inch is used. The natural rainforest’s biodiversity can be sensed from this eagle’s view, an art impression.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2021) Amazon Canopy [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Summer Shade

With snow and rain on our December paths and lanes, this summer shade is a hope for better days. You can almost sense the warm breeze.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2021) Summer Shade [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Forestia oldemanii

The impressive dissertation of Roelof Oldeman (1974, summa cum laude) shows the natural forest’s complexity, dynamics and beauty. Oldeman combined morphogenetic, ecological and physiological concepts, allowing the structural analysis of the populations of trees to explain and understand the forest.

This (holistic) combination of sciences is also needed to understand the ecosystem society and its (public) governance. Now, this scientific landscape is scattered and segmented. Can public administration and corporate governance sciences learn from the forest approach?

Source: Oldeman (1974) part of fig 42. – Profil d’une parcelle de forĂȘt d’environ 30 X 40 m dans la region de SaĂŒl, Ă  une altitude de 285 m

This design is a personal redraw and colouring exercise by me as one of his students. I call it Forestia oldemanii. An ode to my teacher and dear friend.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Forestia oldemanii [fine art print]. Breda: Private collection.

Oldeman, R.A.A. (1974, 2nd ed.). L’architecture de la forĂȘt guyanaise. MĂ©moires ORSTOM, 73.

About Maturity

The process towards maturity is an interesting one. It takes time, care and dedication to reach this state (of perfection). We put a reminder on our wall. Maturity always leads to new perspectives. We know this by heart and soul.

For this chili pepper, this process results in a dynamic pattern of facets and completely new breaking indexes, an enriched spiciness and an increased palette of flavours and fragrances.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2018) About Maturity [fine art print]. Breda: private collection.

Sky-blue Mushroom

It is a form of art on its own, the sky-blue mushroom (Entoloma hochstetteri). It is home in the forests throughout New Zealand. This colour blue is exceptional for mushrooms. The contrast with the brown/green forest colour palette is remarkable.

Bibliography

Kruf, J. (2023) Sky-blue mushroom [metal print]. Breda: Private collection.