Artists Statement- Sacred Messages of the Earth

My work amplifies the message that nature whispers. Through rigorous investigations of unaltered environments, I am touched by the harmony in which life functions at every level. I attempt to synchronize to the rhythm nature offers, making detailed observations of earth and her constant fractal patterns (golden ratio, Fibonacci sequence, etc.). The depths and heights of untouched wilderness display peaceable growth and coexistence, inspiring synergy within my layers.
 

The experiments of Physicist Richard Taylor uncovered evidence that fractal patterns effect their viewers brains and emotional states through a stress reduction of 60%. I imitate fractal patterns in my work to echo the calming physiological affects of nature.

With appreciation for the sacredness of every living organism the earth supports, and a genuine spiritual connection to this living earth, my watercolor fields implement vibration- our commonality. Matter connects us through sound waves, both those we are aware of and those we cannot perceive. Jon Young1 studies the meanings behind the audible voices of nature, while Peter Wohlleben2 found, with proper measuring devices, that there are sonic languages all around us, chemical signals, and electromagnetic pulses forming lines of communication within the trees and fungal systems. Hans Jenny’s findings in Cymatics along with the water work and vibrational experiments carried out by Masaru Emoto, have all interwoven their influence on the background layers of every creation. Following forest meditations, I speak verbal cues to my liquid mediums and emit vibrations of divine intent. The sincerity of the earth is incorporated through precipitation and bird interaction.
 

Fractals form within the ink and water effortlessly, and the stroboscopic remnants of my spoken or meditative conversations are apparent when these communicative layers of color have dried. In response, I draw patterns and imagery chosen from my explorations . My subject matter may be symbols with past culturally assigned meanings that resonate with my internal emotional progress, or a moment where gratitude is recognized. I weave this imagery throughout with watercolor, and distinguish foreground from background with placement and/or additional mark-making. I question where layers belong, I play with direction and placement of foreground and backgrounds/ microscopic to macroscopic perspectives allowing these alternate decisions to stump the viewers rationale.

In a reality where this world is disintegrating due to human destruction, my surreal landscapes morph in and out of logical realism highlighting the powerful nature we must appreciate and preserve. I create fantastical worlds that, upon viewing, will soothe the audiences’ mind and body, before their return to this reality. I believe there are many messages from earth, if we take the time to notice and listen. As an artist, I am merely a conduit for these messages.
 

1 Young, Jon. What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World. Edited by Dan Gardoqui. New York: Mariner Books, 2013.

2 Wohlleben, Peter. Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate. Vancouver; Berkeley: Greystone Books, 2018.