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.
Motionism Series
Careful observation of wildlife reveals very human-like behaviors, though they are sometimes quite primal or purely instinctive. Using installations displayed in a manner to emphasize movement, sometimes analogous to filmstrip, this series explores motion as 1870 photographers studied it. The precursor to cinematography, this style brings life to the wild characters as they are and act on the stage that is nature. It attempts to capture a glimpse of their uncensored humanity as it unfolds.
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood"
Installation of 3 images 10x20", Limited Edition (5), Giclée
A female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) feeding twins sacrifices herself by cleaning up what's left of a less than appealing meal. Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada (2020).
Framed: $885.00, Print: $450.00
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 3 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 3 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 2 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 2 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 1 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation image 1 of 3, 10x20" / Prince Albert National Park, SK
"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation of 3 images 10x20" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021

"Motionism II: Ups and Downs of Motherhood", Installation of 3 images 10x20" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021

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