Can you solve enigma of city artist? (From Oxford Mail)

Can you solve enigma of city artist?

9:30am Tuesday 13th September 2011 in News By Thom Airs

Zoe Peterssen could often be seen beneath the trees in Christ Church Meadow

Dressed in green, surrounded by rolls of paper and immersed in the natural world around her, she was part of the scenery of Oxford.

But “the tree-drawing lady”, who created art from a bench in Christ Church Meadow, has passed away with the picture of her life incomplete.

Zoe Peterssen, whose presence beneath the oaks would have been noted by thousands, died after a short battle with cancer on August 29.

Her funeral will take place on September 30 at Pusey House in St Giles where she was an artist in residence, but friends are still piecing together information about her.

Colin Openshaw, who knew Miss Peterssen for a decade, said she was of Jewish descent, but is thought to have grown up in Norway in a Christian environment. Her date of birth remains unknown and attempts to contact her relatives have proved unsuccessful.

Mr Openshaw said: “Dressed in green hat and green boots, her bright face and penetrating eyes will be familiar to many who pass through the city.

“As she sat with pencil in hand, many a passer-by would be welcomed to the bench beside her to see what she was drawing.

“Using the technology of a photocopier and an electronic typewriter, she had produced hundreds of cards illustrated with trees, plants and animals, for Christmas, Easter and other occasions, which she sold to earn her living.

“Details of how Zoe came to adopt this simple lifestyle in Oxford are hard to come by. She had studied and taught economics at university and had tried working in the world of international charities, but had become dissatisfied with these as avenues for a good life.

“Then, she took a decision and “went to nature” – as she always put it – with the result that, by spending her days outdoors, her mind clear and eyes open, she grew into a new awareness and sensitivity.”

Mr Openshaw added: “Despite her public presence, Zoe was passionately private and self-sufficient.

“She would retreat to comfortable solitude at the end of each day, when she enjoyed listening to classical music and reading books on spirituality. She did not like to reveal where she lived, moving between various college lodgings, eventually living at Pusey House, where she contributed flower arrangements, fresh herbs and framed pictures of trees.”

Flora Cranmer-Perrier, of Modern Art Oxford, said: “People would come here and ask for the cards after seeing her in Christ Church. She was just a lovely person who loved art.”

For details about the funeral or to pass on information about Miss Peterssen, email zoepeterssen memorial@gmail.com or contact the Oxford Mail newsdesk on 01865 425445 and we will pass on details.