There were all sorts of small canals and cuts and runnels to be crossed. There were trees that had been shaped by steady blasts of wind, stunted and reaching sideways. Philip wanted to draw them. They were a stationary form of violent movement.
In the narrative, the landscape is depicted as rugged and weathered, with intricate waterways and trees that have been forcibly shaped by relentless winds. This imagery evokes a sense of nature's resilience amid constant turmoil. Philip, the character, feels inspired to capture the essence of these trees through his drawings, seeing them as symbols of dynamic yet unyielding survival.
The trees represent a paradox of stillness and motion, embodying the idea of violence in their growth and form. Philip's desire to depict them highlights the interplay between art and nature, where he seeks to translate the chaos of the environment into a visual narrative. This reflects a deeper understanding of the relationship between artistry and the forces that shape our world.