nature as co-collaborator

Whereas the majority of my work across a variety of mediums is set in nature, this series is specifically about working with nature as a co-collaborator in my painting process. The canvases are placed in conversation with the Earth’s landscapes, and the work is created utilizing some if not all of the four elements (earth, water, fire and air) in part of the process. Working in this way is a ceremony to honor nature and remind us how connected we are to her. It also poses questions around ego and authorship in the creation of art. As threats to creativity and the natural world (specifically AI) increase, I believe it’s important to simplify and return to our natural roots. Popular painting materials in contemporary art (acrylics are plastics, and oils require chemicals) eventually harm the earth. Yet, painting practices could widely return to being made of and with our main source.