Stories From the Studio: Jessica Raschke

This week STA caught up with Jessica Raschke who is a writer, artist, therapist and educator whose work explores soulfulness, meaning and the complexities of the human experience. Across creative practice, therapy, teaching and community engagement, she creates spaces for deep inquiry into the questions that shape how we live and love.

One of Jessica’s current projects is “LOVE LAND” which is a community-building tree planting event that invites people to gather and plant native seedlings with a personal handwritten message onto biodegradable paper placed underneath. Over time, the messages will come to nourish the seedling into its growth, so each plant is symbolically infused with human connection and care. “LOVE LAND” is a simple and powerful way to reforest and connect with the natural world.

The idea is really simple: gather people, write something that matters, put it in the ground with native trees and shrubs. Watch it all grow into a beautiful Love Land!
We usually find a way to source seedlings that are native to the land on which we plant: these are usually donated through a range of local generous souls: “LOVE LAND” is usually of no cost to those who host a planting.

The project has so far been planted at community sites (only in NSW) including The CORRIDOR Project in Cowra, Hill Top Community Centre, Yerrinbool Hall and Southern Highlands Memorial Park at Canyonleigh. Further plantings have happened at Osborn House in Bundanoon and Bundanon in Illaroo.

We’re interested in “LOVE LAND” as a way of thinking about regenerative and reciprocal practice: not just as an environmental act, but a beautiful way to bring a sense of community. Planting a tree can feel quite abstract for a lot of people (in fact, at some of our past plantings we’ve learned that some attendees have never planted anything, ever). Adding a personal message creates an immediate emotional relationship between the person and the place.

For more about Jessica click here.