My art practice delves into the intricate environmental dialogues surrounding biodiversity and urban growth. I strive to celebrate our profound connection to nature, promote the conservation of the delicate balance between living and non-living entities, and confront the pressing issues of ecological destruction.
Through print media and sculpture, I draw inspiration from the intricate beauty of observational and scientific illustrations, the rich tapestry of Canadian flora and fauna, and the elegant craftsmanship of botanical art, with a particular focus on plant morphology and visual identification. Flora and fauna serve as archetypes that evolve into imaginary landscapes, allowing me to weave new narratives that challenge perceptions of nature. My creative process is often fuelled by fieldwork, where I catalog biodiversity, referencing an array of images featuring plants, animals, and microorganisms collected from the surrounding landscape. Although many of these environments are rooted in imagination, I incorporate organic and ephemeral materials into my work—elements from nature such as insects, birds, and botanical forms, interwoven with geometric shapes. Each project becomes a reflection of animal nature and the complexities of transforming landscapes, illuminating the disruptions imposed upon various natural paths.
The images I create emerge as archetypes that metamorphose into fictitious realms, cultivating dialogues between living and non-living entities. The relationship between print media and sculpture is enriched by the concept of interspecies communication, where I extract subjects from their natural settings and reimagine them within an envisioned landscape. I meticulously render each aspect of the natural world through traditional drawing, print media, intricate patterns, and digital technology, all while thoughtfully considering the impacts of urban encroachment and the cyclical patterns of nature. The forms and structures I portray embody a heightened sense of interconnectedness, often blurring the lines between animal and plant forms, resulting in a harmonious yet complex unity. This approach fosters a dense topography imbued with a subtly dystopian theme that hints at the lives of organisms affected by habitat disruption.
The bustling urban environment, framed by lakes, vibrant wetlands, lush tree canopies, and sprawling meadows, serves as my inspiring field site. Each composition transforms into a creative laboratory where I explore the rich ecosystems and overlapping habitats present in these areas, drawing attention to the fragile balance between human activity and the natural world.