Surrounded by nature, hiking on the trail through the trees and along the river, is where and when my soul feels most complete. These gesso paintings on metal question perceptions of the human position within the landscape. Focusing on subtle human interventions in the landscape, through personal photo documentation, has increased my awareness of our disconnection from nature. Moving to the city from a small town I fantasize over untouched landscapes, questioning human ideals and the picturesque. This body of work focuses on the interconnectedness between humans and the Earth—a connection crucial to the health of both humans and the planet. The intersection of trees and hydro wires among buildings and signs reflects our disconnection from nature through the reality of the urban landscape.
In an act of escapism, laboring over landscape images allows me to temporarily avoid Earth’s problematic reality while also expressing its value. The juxtaposition of valuing the environment while acknowledging our impact on it is central. The rusting on found metal conveys this duality through notions of industry and degradation. Metal ore, a material found in nature, and then processed by humans, rusts to indicate that it is an active surface reclaiming itself, despite prevailing exploitation.