While traveling through some of the most remote regions of The United States, I have found that the amount of natural space undisturbed by human interference is often only the size of my viewfinder. 

My paintings, turned assemblage, are created en plein air and are layered with specimens collected on site. While they are centered on natural imagery and organic ephemera, there is often evidence of human presence creeping in. 

Intimate in size, they not only echo the intimacy of our personal experiences when immersed  in natural spaces, but also beckon a desire to hold with delicacy. 

While providing moments of awe and respite, these miniatures serve as windows through which we can reflect on our relationship to the land, both personally, societally, and historically. I hope to bring forth the conflict between our urge for ownership and control, and the need for preservation and restoration.

The allure of escapism and the temptation to turn away from the pressing issues of our time is quickly confronted with reality when in the attempt to retreat, we are confronted by the impacts of the very issues we are running from. 

Through my art, I aim to balance these conflicting impulses: the desire to hold dear, and a call to release the need to possess.