Reflections On Defiance

Survival At The Margins Of Humanity

March 14 - May 6, 2024

The Hale Gallery

81888 Overseas Hwy Unit 2
Islamorada, FL 33036

In the Ocean Sotheby's Building at MM81.8

This body of work is constructed in the style of Narrative Naturalism: classical realist oil paintings depicting landscapes and natural environments that tell stories of the flora and fauna of South Georgia and Florida. 

The imagery in these paintings is influenced by time I have spent in the wild, encountering the scenery and its occupants first-hand. I am influenced by a sense of humility knowing all of this exists and functions independently of my presence or observation. I see the perseverance and stoicism of species and ecosystems pushed to the edge of existence. I feel a great weight of responsibility for their recovery and preservation.

When immersed in this natural environment it is impossible for me to not feel the interconnectedness of all things. It requires me to reject the arbitrary division of the natural world from ourselves: humans versus nature.  We as humans are part of the natural system and must treat it as such, with intelligence and kindness. Ecosystems and habitats should be protected beyond our lifespans: with parkland, conservation easements, agreements between land owners and land trusts, and rules written for future sustained conservation.

The goal of this work is to provide honest depictions of imagery and scenarios I envision when I confront this idea of interconnection. I hope that viewers find their own reactions and with it a sense of belonging, ultimately the responsibility to conserve us, our fellow earthlings, places and ideas.