We all start as Sapwood

The Role of Sapwood

We all start as sapwood, a form created to build and grow our nutrient stores, to protect and send sap around our bodies, the life line of the tree. Sapwood Projects was inspired by the slow growth and change occurring inside trees and how their existence is holding space for others to grow. These very trees help us to breath, create homes both as lumber for houses but for animals in every ecosystem. They provide food, shelter, nutrients, shade, and a playground for humans and animals alike.

Sapwood is outer, living layers of the secondary wood of trees, which engage in transport of water and minerals to the crown of the tree. In young trees and young parts of older trees, all of the wood in the stem is sapwood. But as the tree gets older and its trunk increases in diameter, things change. No longer is the entire cross-section of the trunk needed for conducting sap. This, combined with an increased need for structural support, causes significant changes in the wood. The cells nearest the center of the trunk die, but they remain mostly intact. As these older sapwood cells age and die, they become heartwood.

As we grow physically and spiritually, outer layers providing safety and flow through our bodies and spirit, just like a young tree, as we grow older and wiser our protective layer shrinks. We form a stronger heart and soul that grows like the rings of trees over periods of time, we must be patient. No matter what stage of life you are in; you are providing life, feeding souls, and forever growing.

In this cross section you can see the difference in sapwood. The younger red pine has a large area of sapwood that over time will harden and die into heartwood until it reaches an age where like the Red oak it has a majority of heartwood and a small essential ring of sapwood to transport nutrients and sap. Just like how the young red pine is still a tree, functioning and beautiful. We are still humans functioning and beautiful no matter what stage of growth physical or spiritual we are currently in.

Our Role

The role set for Sapwood Projects is one of integrity, kindness and creativity. However we do believe that no individual, group, business or event is perfect. We are all navigating our dreams and values in unison the best we can. Our only role is to show that we can strive to do our best, that with each event, gathering or workshop we improve on the last and put all of you; Patrons, Musicians, workshop holders and performers first. Because without you, we are only the the figment of our imagination. You, the individual bring sapwood to life, we provide nutrient rich soil, water and sunlight and plant a seed sending sap to our newly formed life, as the event blossoms into flowers before our eyes.

We run events. Small gatherings of workshops, bushwalking and live music. Our role is to facilitate a space, one that provides enjoyment, creativity and connection. We host local performers and connect them with the ideal location and time to provide the best platform for their art to reach you. We provide workshops that allow you to let go and relearn skills both internally and externally. We are just the sapwood connecting artists of all kinds to you and one day we will harden, die and move into heartwood and our time to be the providing space for events will end. But right now, we welcome you to Sapwood Projects and hope to meet dancing, playing, creating or connecting at one of our events.

With Love and Gratitude.

Vahid.