Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Talking with Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist

Jill Platner

Talking With Trees

Talking with Trees, is a site-specific exhibition by artist Jill Platner, on view in the Dawn Redwood Forest from June 14 through December 2025. With this installation, Platner transforms the forest canopy into a living gallery—where metal forms exist in harmony with the natural environment. Suspended throughout the forest, Platner’s sculptures—hand-formed in copper—speak the language of nature. Their rhythmic motion and organic silhouettes invite viewers to pause,observe, and engage with the natural world.“For the past three years, I’ve been creating a group of sculptures titled Talking with Trees, which will be exhibited at LongHouse this spring. More than sixty works will be suspended among the tree branches, subtly placed to integrate with the vibrant landscape. I can’t imagine a more symbiotic relationship between the sculptures and the grounds of LongHouse. They are at home within the forest and among its creatures.” – Jill Platner

Jill Platner has been making jewelry and sculpture in NYC since 1993. The forests, fields and streams of Massachusetts and Maine provided childhood playgrounds, and later, inspiration for her metal work, which is grounded in the natural world. Jill received her BFA from Parsons School of Design, N.Y. and started selling her jewelryimmediately - sometimes straight off her body while walking the streets of New York. The original Jill Platner store opened in 1998 at 113 Crosby Street. The store and studio now reside under the same historic roof at 165 Crosby, where Jill and her team continue to fabricate and showcase her jewelry and sculpture.

Talking With Trees, 2022-2025
Courtesy of the artist