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.
Wild Portraiture Series
Jane Goodall, a pioneer in the field of ethology, applied human psychology to animals and explored the emotions, personalities and minds of chimpanzees in the 1960’s. To artistically support this ideology, this series explores the similarities between wild animals and humans. What if wildlife culture was to humans what the French are to anglophones? We may have different behaviors and traditions, or speak a different language, but we are all part of the same global ecosystem and have a similar purpose. We are all striving to survive and make the most of life.
"Wild Portraiture I: Over the Backside", 8x10" / Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan (2019)
"Wild Portraiture I: Over the Backside", 8x10" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Wild Portraiture I: Over the Backside"
Numbered Edition (100), 8x10"
This bull Elk (Cervis canadensis) may have turned away from a potential threat to chew on some shrubbery, but he never lost eye contact. No matter how habituated, the town's herd remains watchful and suspicious of humans. Waskesiu Townsite, Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan (2019).
Framed: $145.00 (last image, edition closed)
"Wild Portraiture II: Ruing in the Rain", 20x24" / Christopher Lake area, Saskatchewan, Canada (2020)
"Wild Portraiture II: Ruing in the Rain", 20x24" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Wild Portraiture II: Ruing in the Rain"
Limited Edition (5), 20x24", Giclée
After a long, tiring day in the rain, patience for those sticky flies is running thin. Frustration turns to anger very quickly, and should be left to seethe uninterrupted. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), Christopher Lake area, Saskatchewan, Canada (2020).
Framed: $585.00, Print: $390.00
"Wild Portraiture III: A Coy Approach", 6x6" / Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (2019)
"Wild Portraiture III: A Coy Approach", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Wild Portraiture III: A Coy Approach"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Feigning timidity and too curious for her own good, a brave young child slowly approaches a stranger. Moose (Alces alces), Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (2019).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Wild Portraiture IV: Intimate Duo", 6x6" / Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (2019)
"Wild Portraiture IV: Intimate Duo", 6x6" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Wild Portraiture IV: Intimate Duo"
Limited Edition (5), 6x6"
Feeling needy, a suitor is being overly affectionate towards his lady, who welcomes his intimate attentions in public. Big Horn Sheep (Ovis canadensis), Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (2019).
Framed: $120.00, Print: $55.00
"Wild Portraiture V: Moment of Weakness"
Limited Edition (5), 12x12"
The ladies are too tempting; the air is filled with their perfume. The mind is ensnared, the body out of control. Resisting is futile. She won't notice this gentle touch... Big Horn Sheep (Ovis canadensis), Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (2019).
Framed: $275.00, Print: $145.00
Watch the Artist discuss this piece on YouTube!
"Wild Portraiture VI: Spirit of a Warrior", 8x12" / Nemeiben Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021)
"Wild Portraiture VI: Spirit of a Warrior", 8x12" / The Eye Gallery, Nov-Dec 2021
"Wild Portraiture VI: Spirit of a Warrior"
Limited Edition (5), 8x12"
Filled with youthful pride and confidence, this fearless militant is determined to see things through and prepared to do what must be done for the greater good of the species. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Nemeiben Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada (2021).
Framed: $197.50, Print: $105.00