PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

The Pollinators

part of the Greater Columbus Arts Council's Art Spot Columbus
"Climate Conversations" Exhibition

"If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
— Albert Einstein

Many people, when considering the impact
of climate change, feel overwhelmed that they
are too small to make a difference. My perspective
is that we can start right where we are, in our own homes and backyards.

My display uses my work with lumen prints — a cameraless photography process — along with native plants known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to emphasize the importance of supporting this essential part of our ecosystem. The pollinators are nature's unsung heroes. It’s critical that we give them plenty of space and an environment to thrive in and allow their food source lots of room to exist. Our ecosystem and food supply depend on it.

"The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that there are 100 crop species that provide 90% of food around the world and 71 of these are pollinated by bees."

— Activesustainability.com

Anyone with outdoor space can help by growing these plants. Most of these plants were gathered from my own garden or on roadsides nearby. Even dedicating a few square feet of yard space to these plants will help. Nature is not only beautiful, but it’s also important, and therefore we need to respect and cherish all aspects of it. We cannot take it for granted.

I use the lumen photogram process as my tribute and collaboration with nature to express the energy, spirit, and deep connection we have with it. This method connects me directly to the environment by using foraged plants, the sun, and natural resources like rainwater and snow to create colorful, mystical images that speak to the energy of our ecosystem.

In creating this work, I am in partnership with nature, following its lead in the ever-shifting conditions of each season. These variables each have their own unique effect on the outcome of each print, and as such, allow nature to have an equal hand in their creation.