My art practice explores the emotional connection humans have with nature and recreates the thrill of interacting with the wilderness. In this time of tenuous existence with nature, the connection between humanity and nature is more fraught than ever before. With so many species endangered and disappearing, I want to capture fleeting moments, such as a coyote pausing to listen or a hawk diving for prey. By painting with loose brushstrokes, I want to convey urgency and a feeling of immediacy to protect fragile ecosystems which surround us.

I use my own photographs, memories and knowledge of native flora and fauna to create dynamic compositions. In addition, figures on journeys convey a sense of hope for the future while inspiring others to get outside. Through real and imagined journeys into the unknown, I have been able to restore a sense of adventure in life, and to learn to about specific species by identifying them with educational apps. Contributing to species counts for birds in my area helped me feel connected to nature instead of apart from it.

Humans are connected to living and non-living systems in ways that are unacknowledged or ignored. Physical well-being is inextricably linked to clean air and
fresh water, but human health also requires natural spaces for recreation and enjoyment. Access to nature deepens our understanding of humanity’s place in the
ecosystem. The simple fact is humans are a small part of Earth, and yet share a huge responsibility to manage resources in sustainable ways. Nature has supported me through many difficult times, and I hope viewers will examine their own personal relationship to nature, and support conservation in their area.