These photographs explore the ways in which both individuals and societies attempt to cultivate a connection with nature. Modern society tells us there is great distance between the natural world and ourselves, yet there is a deep urge to build a relationship with nature. In order to simultaneously tame and become close with nature, society uses various methods of imitation, simulation, and control to re-access that same natural world. The result is a vision of nature injected with our own cultural, historical, and aesthetic values. We see this in our front yards, at the edges of wilderness areas, and our city sidewalks. With this work I address the tension and irony in the paradoxical efforts to retain control and visual enjoyment while also attempting to maintain a bridge between nature and ourselves.
This project is ongoing.