Summary
Walk in Nature and Be Present features landscapes that are devoid of human figures in order to give the viewer the freedom to situate themselves in contemplative spaces. These spaces do not have specific importance but they speak for something that is not seen. My goal is to represent human endeavors and to evoke emotions; the solitary and strong tree, the relationship between water and surrounding vegetation, the beauty of glacier-carved mountains. Photography anchors me in the present and reminds me to be mindful, to love and appreciate all that I have and the ones I share life with.
Currently the photographs are produced year-round in New England, Chicago, and Quebec but this project can and will continue all across the United States and Canada. It is conceivable that this project expands to global environments but the restrictions to traveling include time and money. The most important factor to this project is mindfulness in nature, a quality that transcends borders.
This project is important to me and my photographic practice because I believe a connection to nature improves our state of mind. Throughout school I would be producing work in other genres (portraiture, studio, etc.) but I made it a point at least once a month to go for a walk in the nature that I could find and become aware of my immediate surroundings. This process centered me and many of these images come from those walks. An interview with the poet Mary Oliver (On Being with Krista Tippett, 2015) is an important influence on the continuation of this work because her perspective and connection with the land resonates with the impact I would like to create.
The long term project is about appreciating and sharing love. As a society we sometimes do not get the opportunity to connect with nature for long periods of time; this project addresses this notion by giving the viewer uncomplicated scenes to encourage reflection. The images are printed large, some as big as 40" x 50", to give the viewers space and just enough stimulation to guide their reflection.