Cummulate

STATEMENT

“The overview effect is a cognitive shift in awareness reported by astronauts while viewing Earth from outer space. In this shift from reality, they realize the fragility of Earth and the need to protect life on Earth becomes both obvious and imperative. In this experience, they see Earth as a tiny fragile ball of life “hanging in the void” shielded and nourished by a paper-thin atmosphere. Some common aspects of it are a feeling of awe, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.” – Frank White, Space Philosopher Focusing on mapping the natural landscape, my work is a documentation of the topography of our environment. I recreate geographic patterns that I find, and then layer them to make up a new series of abstracted terrain. This morphing of forms combines imagery depicting weather systems and changing weather patterns, topographic map lines, aerial views of the landscape, animal migration patterns, cellular structures, water movement patterns, lichen on boulders, rock and ice formations, and other natural phenomena that I find. I am interested in the constant recurrence of these patterns and find similarities in their elements. The intertwining of the geometric and organic forms becomes an important part of my process. Through layering several layers of paint, ink, pigment, and acrylic mediums, a sense of micro vs macro evolves. Some layers are poured and have a random and uncontrolled effect while others are more stenciled to create a mapped reaction to what is below the surface. The contrast and flow of these overlapping elements reflects my experience in the landscape we live in and the need to preserve our ever-changing climate.