Trees, and Time
This story begins in 2018, with a plant left to wither on a piano. A ‘Corokia’ (the plant’s name), seemingly frozen in time within its pot, offered a quiet inspiration. We captured it in a surge of feeling and transformed it into music. Since then, we have continued to feel the deep resonance of nature’s own time within us — and as we became aware of it, our lives began to follow the time of nature. We sought to avoid speaking of nature in merely superficial or abstract terms. Thus, we collaborated with Lee Daegil, a gardener and installation artist who works with natural materials. Together, we explored various ecosystems across Korea, spending time immersed in them and translating those experiences into music.
What is nature?
In Eastern thought, the word ‘자연 (自然)’ refers to “that which is so of itself.” The word “system” came to mind. Things that change and flow into their destined forms, moving naturally to where they are meant to be, according to the passage of time. Within that vast system, coincidence and inevitability intersect endlessly; life and death entangle — nature, and the time of nature. Thus, we linger a little longer, and look a little deeper. Until the moment when all times converge, and we may become truly one. —With the green scent carried by the forest, With the silver shimmering waves woven by the sea and the sun, With the sound of birds announcing the beginning of spring, With the cicadas’ songs carrying the fullness of summer, Or even amidst the dense urban forest of buildings — Wherever in nature you may find yourself, may this music harmonize with your being. And whenever you feel the need for nature, may this music quietly stay by your side.
To understand deeply-
The pianist and the vocalist are a married couple. In the spring when their daughter, Hanca Lee, turned three, she spoke:
“Daddy, there’s a word, ‘Noehwansun.” “Oh? What does it mean?” “It’s when the trees sway in the wind.” “Daddy, there’s another word, ‘Hwahansun.” “What does that mean?” “It means the world is gradually becoming brighter.”
At that moment, wrapped entirely in pure beauty, we found ourselves unable to speak. Children, who most resemble nature, so easily encounter the essence and truth that we, as artists, have spent our lives striving to express. As the child’s mysterious language taught us, may the days when trees sway and the world brightens become more abundant. And just as nature does, we will continue moving steadily toward what we are meant to become and where we are meant to be.