We Belong, Beyond This Life, oil on linen and cotton canvas, 48”x36”, 2021
This painting encapsulates a five-year odyssey through a global pandemic, the climate crisis, migration, uncertainty, renewal, fleeting joys, memories, self-realization, sheer happiness, fungi, and humanity. It marks the beginning of a new collection that merges my passions for Art and Nature. Previously, my work delved into the dynamics between the public and the art world, examining spectators' body language. In this piece, I shift the focus to their interactions with nature, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis.
The depicted fungi are drawn from my personal observations in the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, specifically around The Camosun Bog. This bog is a rare and delicate ecosystem, hosting a variety of plant and animal life, and has persevered for over 2000 years, despite being under threat.
for sometime, TOGETHER, oil on linen and cotton canvas, 48”x36”, 2022
This artwork unfolds over five years, capturing beginnings, opportunities, joyous moments, memories, self-exploration, sheer delight, mushrooms, people, and the climate crisis. It introduces a fresh series where I merge my dual passions: Art and Nature. Previously, I've examined how the public interacts with the art world, focusing on spectators' body language. Now, I shift the focus to their engagement with nature to spotlight the climate crisis.
The fungi depicted stem from my explorations in Pacific Spirit Regional Park, particularly around The Camosun Bog. This area, a rare and delicate ecosystem, supports a diverse range of flora and fauna and has survived for over two millennia, despite facing threats.
The Muse And The Beguiled, oil on linen and cotton canvas, 36”x36”, 2022
"The Muse And The Beguiled" emerges as an intricate exploration of curiosity and awe, presenting a unique perspective on an Asian hornet nest—a structure alien to Canadian landscapes. Captivated by the nest's stunning architecture, I felt compelled to translate this admiration onto canvas, resulting in a painting that nearly fills the square frame with the meticulously detailed depiction of the nest viewed from above.
At the heart of this visual narrative is a solitary figure positioned as the observer, who stands amidst a dreamlike scattering of oversized winged seeds that dominate the background, invoking a sense of both wonder and displacement. This observer, small in comparison to the surrounding elements, invites the viewer to delve into the concept of the Hive Mind—prompting a reflection on collective thought processes and the individual's place within or apart from them.
Through "The Muse And The Beguiled," I not only showcases a mesmerizing natural phenomenon but also a challenges to contemplate our own perspectives on unity, individuality, and the nature of inspiration itself.
Where There Is You, There Is Me, oil on linen and cotton canvas, two panels, 48”x48”, 2023
"Where There Is, There Is Me" is a dual-canvas oil painting that further explores my ongoing interest in the symbiotic relationship between fungi and humanity. Spanning two canvases placed side by side against the wall, this work seamlessly continues from one to the other, creating a singular panoramic view. It features 22 species of fungi, each meticulously detailed, set against a dark backdrop that is densely filled with 270 miniature figures of people.
This gathering of individuals is depicted as if they're attending a highly sought-after art exhibition—capturing moments of awe, curiosity, and interaction. They're seen taking photos, peering closely, and engaging with the artwork, much like viewers would in front of a captivating display. This scene mirrors the enthralling nature of fungi and their complex ecosystems, drawing a parallel to the way we, as humans, gather in communal spaces to appreciate art.
Through "Where There Is, There Is Me," I aim to illuminate the intricate beauty of fungi and their integral role in our environment, while also reflecting on humanity's fascination with observing and understanding the world around us. This painting is not just a continuation of my artistic journey but a representation of the collective curiosity and wonder that connects us all.