Anthrop O Naturel
Forester by day and photographer by night, the combination of art and science transformed my view of the natural world. Documenting it professionally and with my lens over the past decade (see the collection "The Mandate") allowed me to connect and discern the details and patterns of Mother Earth, how they change throughout the day, the seasons, and over the years. I could see, on the ground, how humans are an integral part of the larger ecological community, neither superior nor dominant (Aldo Leopold, 1949). This ecocentric view, centered on the environment, drastically contrasted against the more common human-centered, anthropocentric, view, which places humans on a dominating pedestal and considers "animals" and "plants" as things to own. My perception changed when I began to notice human behaviors in animals and animal behaviors in myself and others around me. The environment had become the like of a culturally diverse human neighborhood, and those resembled large-scale ant colonies. It is from this world turned upside down that the Anthrop O Naturel collection was born (A.K.A. humans in their natural form).
To remind us of our place as equals in the global ecosystem, I tell the story of our world as a forester and artist perceives it: a community of individuals (flora and fauna) with minds of their own, an emotional capacity, belonging to different cultures (species), and speaking different languages. It is introduced with the piece "Individuality" to demonstrate the underestimated individuality in nature by highlighting the difference in fascial traits of 20 different flowers of the same species (Prairie Lily). The "Blooming Personalities" (flora) and "Wild Portraiture" (fauna) series present the characters and their human-like traits using anthropomorphism. The "Motionism" series brings the characters to life. I explore movement by portraying typically human behaviors in animals using installations mounted in a manner analogous to filmstrip. Finally, "Scenic Explorations" series sets the theatrical environment in which these characters interact. With breathtaking landscape panoramas, large-scale images, and installations, it sets the mood, describes ecosystem processes clashing with the characters, and give a feel for what life might be like in the wild.
Blooming Personalities Series
In recent years, science has begun to reveal interesting human characteristics in plants, such as the ability to communicate through the root system and the capacity to react to positive or negative stimuli in a manner similar to pain and pleasure responses. The series introduces floral characters as having a mind of their own using anthropomorphism. What if plants could think like we do, and were more like humans than science currently understands them to be, would you recognize yourself in them?
"Blooming Personality I"
Numbered Edition (100), 4x4"
A Canada Violet (Viola canadensis) peaking back curiously from behind a shrub. Crean Ski Trail, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan (2017).
Matted Print: $32.50, Print: $20.00
"Blooming Personality III: A Combative Nature"
Numbered Edition (100), 4x4"
With a name like Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis), this species is often portrayed as gentle and smiling. But beware! A close examination revealed a daring, challenging attitude in this individual. Seemingly shy at first glance, it will challenge you with boxing fists the moment you avert your eyes, making you double take and stare in surprise. Canwood, Saskatchewan (2019).
** SOLD OUT **
"Blooming Personality IV: Street Life"
Limited Edition (5), 8x12"
** NEW RELEASE, JUNE 2022 **
Imagine a warm, spring afternoon at the park. The streets are crowded with passersby, a child discusses an important philosophical matter with its mother, and a couple snuggles on a bench admiring the view by the river. Wild Pansy (Viola tricolor), Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Framed: $197.50, Print: $105.00
"Blooming Personality V: Talent Emerging"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Amidst the crowd of a hundred, each minding their day to day affairs, only the few emerge out of the darkness to catch a glimpse of the spotlight. Risk-takers and hard-workers, they gambled on growing roots here, or extending an arm there. Talent to fame is a matter of right time, right place. Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality V: Talent Emerging", 6x6" / Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality V: Talent Emerging", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality VI: Starlet", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality VI: Starlet", 6x6" / Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality VI: Starlet"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Paparazzi light up the green carpet at the arrival of this young movie star draped with a thick shoulder fur cape. Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis), Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality VII: Hairy Legs"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
This lady's grooming standards have relaxed after ten years of marriage. As she lay on her back, comfortable in bed, the leg hairs come into sharp focus. She is still beautiful to her beloved. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality VII: Hairy Legs", 6x6" / Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality VII: Hairy Legs", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality VIII: Walking the Runway", 6x6" / Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality VIII: Walking the Runway", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality VIII: Walking the Runway"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Two models acting as human coat hangers for the fashion industry display the latest designs: padded shoulders and puffed sleeves! Twinflower (Linnaea borealis), Nipekamew Sand Cliffs, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality IX: Tourists at the Museum"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Vacationing globetrotters on a guided tour admire the fresco paintings on display at an Italian Renaissance art exhibit. One-Flowered Wintergreen (Moneses uniflora), Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality X: Model Striking a Pose", 6x6" / Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality X: Model Striking a Pose", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality XII: Bring It"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Bring forth the next challenger! I have defeated a hundred and welcome a hundred more! Marsh Hedge-Nettle (Stachys palustris), Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality XI: Family Reunion"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
As always, everyone is excited to see one another and nobody cares for a group photo at this long overdue rendezvous. Common Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality XI: Family Reunion", 6x6" / Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality XI: Family Reunion", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality XII: Bring It", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality XII: Bring It", 6x6" / Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality X: Model Striking a Pose"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Posturing with a leg up, a tall, skinny teenage girl aspiring to become a model practices her poses in front of the camera. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality XIII: The Bride"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Calm and serene, she down the aisle carrying the traditional bouquet towards her one and only. Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana), Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Blooming Personality XIII: The Bride", 6x6" / Lily Plain, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality XIII: The Bride", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality XIV: The Melodramatic Actors", 6x6" / Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Blooming Personality XIV: The Melodramatic Actors", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Blooming Personality XIV: The Melodramatic Actors"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Struck by the bullet of his mistress's unwanted suitor, the forbidden lover falls to an untimely demise while his teary-eyed lover lunges desperately for a final kiss. Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00