Palms Planted to the Soil Artist Statement:

My work explores the notion of mortality and mindfulness through the materiality, representation, and abstractions of the forest. Existing patriarchal social structures create divisions between people and nature, encroaching on their once plentiful shared temporal space. We are led to believe that there is a hierarchy between us and the forest, that humans are entitled to its resources by way of an unchecked recognition of its true importance. Capitalism has put an emphasis on unnecessary expectations of productivity and self-destructive tendencies. This results with in an overworked and anxious society, lacking self-worth and the necessary tools to take care of themselves. Palms Planted to the Soil reengages its audience with mindfulness through the reinterpretation of a journey into the woods, reminding the public of the enchanting and ethereal qualities of the forest and to ground them in the present. 

The primary materials I have been applying to my series are wood, bark, and soil. I use a combination of techniques and textures to explore the variety of forms this organic material can take, the presence of hyper manipulated wooden forms juxtaposed with bark and soil signifying the organic and temporal qualities within this medium. I am inspired by the wood trees and grain within the material, its presence is reminiscent of the concept of being centered or balanced. My practice in woodworking reflects this notion of finding equilibrium, both within the material and within the self. The practice of mindfulness takes intention and discipline within a capitalist society, setting aside time for self-care. The presence of these organic materials within the gallery acts to incite curiosity in their environment outside the cities, to rediscover the beauty of the forest and taking time for themselves. 

The secondary material is my impressionistic approach to oil painting, depicting the dynamic movement and textures within nature and the forest. My work is both representational and abstract, exploring the miniscule and fluid energy within the surface of the organic material. Light and shadow is necessary for a thriving ecosystem. I focus on these elements of nature to emphasize the dreamlike qualities of the forest with hyper saturated colors and strong contrast, removing the background and reinterpreting the object in a new light. The paintings depict the figures as distorted and contorting apparitions with the impasto brush strokes. The forest is both beautiful and horrifying; I highlight these opposing qualities within my paintings.