We collected this log from the Alzheimer’s hospice that cared for Karrie’s father.

For this codex page, we are in process on a wax tablet with two contrasting layers of wax. The top layer will contain magnetite (iron oxide) aka Mars Black. The bottom will be lighter, with aluminum powder mixed in for illumination. When a stylus marks the black wax, it reveals the shimmering, illuminated layer beneath, making text easier to read.

Abnormal levels of magnetite/iron oxide have been found inside the amyloid cores in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. The source: combustion-derived pollution. Aluminum lurks there, too, a neurotoxic metal with its connection to Alzheimer’s still under investigation. So here we are mimicking the memory loss of Alzheimer’s with temporary writing that can easily be scratched out, but also the pollution that caused derecho and victimized this tree.

The rings of the trees contain iron oxide & aluminum as well–permanent records of environmental crimes so long as the trees stand. We love that this slice resembles the shape of an eyeball, too: what has this tree seen? With the trees felled, so go their memories–which is why a codex made from derecho logs is so crucial: preservation of evidence.

Here, the trees and the brains of Alzheimer’s patients share a forensic signature of the climate crimes committed against them.