Guardians is about the sentinels that have existed since the very beginning of Erie. Standing silent, witnessing history as generations have passed beneath them. Below, we delve into the surreal geometry of Erie’s treetops—where nature meets the grid in a jagged, uneasy truce. Along sidewalks and back alleys, you’ll find trees contorted into strange, improbable shapes, their limbs carved and cleaved to accommodate the relentless march of powerlines. Erie trees have been warped by human will in other ways. Take the Elbow Tree in Lawrence Park? A desire for specialness, for community identity, is reshaping the path of each tree grown in a local park. Finally, we have the solitary, the undisturbed - Witness Trees who have endured the test of time. Trees that have literally seen it all.