Sant
Khalsa

Growing Air

Growing Air focuses on hundreds of ponderosa pine trees I planted during Spring 1992 as part of the reforestation of Holcomb Valley in the San Bernardino National Forest to improve air and water quality and restore the Santa Ana Watershed, a fragile and vital ecosystem. Holcomb Valley, located north of Big Bear Lake in Southern California was decimated by mining, clearcutting and cattle crazing during the 1860's gold rush. I returned to the site of the seedling plantings in 2017, twenty-five years later, to find an extraordinarily beautiful and thriving forest. I am fascinated with both what is visible and the hidden mysteries we seek to understand about trees and their communal lives. I am spending time in the forest, developing a meaningful connection and producing works that respond to this unique and complex environment. – Sant Khalsa