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Each work in this series is an exploration of the complex and interconnected relationship between the natural world and humans. Within this series, I focus on the grasslands of North America through the use of natural elements, motifs, and the depiction of wildlife. I ask the viewer to reflect on the impact humans have on the environment and the delicate balance that must be maintained and healed.
Amidst the vanishing grassland
Charcoal & Graphite on hot-pressed cotton paper.
48" x 36"
2023
Original drawing available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION:
Amidst the Vanishing Grassland is a 48" x 36" charcoal drawing that highlights the ongoing loss of North America's grasslands. Once spanning millions of acres, the prairie has been reduced to a fraction of its former size due to human activities such as farming, urbanization, and the introduction of non-native plant species. The two dapple grey horses galloping through the black background symbolize the majesty of the prairie, now diminished but not forgotten. The mix of native and non-native plants surrounding the horses serves as a reminder of the impact of human activity on the landscape, a story that has played out repeatedly throughout history. The larger of the two circles contains two barn swallows flying freely, a symbol of nature's resilience even as it faces the consequences of human impact. This work is a call to action, a reminder of the need to protect and preserve the beauty and diversity of the prairie for future generations, and a tribute to the rich history of this once-vast ecosystem.
Taken
Charcoal & Graphite on hot pressed cotton watercolor paper.
12" x 16"
2022
Original drawing available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION:
This drawing, made up of natural elements and motifs from my previous works, deconstructs the representative, abstracting the natural world into its parts. Though the primary subjects are clearly defined as the blinded & vulnerable fawns centered within the work, imagery surrounding the fawns provide insight into those symbols which permeate reality.
The bird, nearly blending into the background despite being a foreground figure, acts as a mirror of the viewer themselves, idly watching as the environment surrounding the fawns comes apart. The strip of branches at the top of the work provide a glimpse into that original natural environment of the fawns, which is being eradicated below. The human tooth, a more literal reflection of the human population, is a vestige of the consumption which destroys environments like these fawns may have otherwise been apart of. My hope is that seeing all that is undone here might encourage reflection of our own undoing.
Together We will
Charcoal & Graphite on hot pressed cotton watercolor paper.
14" x 11"
2022
Original drawing available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION:
This piece, created for Liz Blood's Creative Feild Guide with the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, features two great blue herons spotlighted centrally within the work with elements of their environment surrounding them. As generally solitary animals, these two waterfowl can be presumed to be mating.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, populations of great blue herons, among other large birds, went into decline due to hunters seeking their feathers for clothing items and accessories. Because of environmental legislation signed into law in 1900, these populations in Oklahoma and many other states are able to stretch their wings and grow.
Whisper in the Prairie
Charcoal & Graphite on Arches hot pressed watercolor paper.
16" x 20"
2022
Original drawing available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION:
The The American Bison in this drawing has been commented on as being a spiritual entity. Almost as if it's an all-knowing creature, perhaps being guided by the stars and the wild birds that whisper to it.
In the early 1870’s, Americans killed millions of bison to spite native populations. It was a selfish goal to starve tribes into submission. It was noted that tourists would shoot them from passenger trains, letting their bodies waste away. Now listed as America’s National Mammal, I often find their bones and teeth remaining in the riverbeds of Oklahoma when fossil hunting with friends. The remaining wild bison live on nature preserves & are protected by federal law, however the starkly diminished numbers of their wild populations has left me filled with grief.
DeathBed & butterflies
Charcoal & Graphite on Arches hot pressed watercolor paper.
22" x 30"
2022
Original drawing available for purchase.
INTRODUCTION:
Deathbed & Butterflies showcases the natural process of death and regeneration through the depiction of a decaying jackrabbit surrounded by flowers and butterflies. The graphic nature of the work invites the viewer to confront the reality of death, while the presence of the star symbolizes the timeless and cyclical nature of life and the universe. By highlighting the interplay between life and death, this work serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the impact of human actions on the environment.
As they should be
Charcoal & Graphite on paper.
40" x 30"
2022
Original drawing available for purchase at Aberson Exhibits.
INTRODUCTION:
The two foxes in this piece are shown surrounded by a lush and thriving environment, emphasizing their role as integral parts of the natural ecosystem. The open mouth of one of the foxes adds an element of movement and life to the scene as if they are communicating with each other or the surrounding world. The striking contrast of the black background with the vibrant flora and fauna around the foxes emphasizes their importance and the beauty of nature. Through this work, the artist is reminding the viewer that all creatures have a purpose and belong in their environment, just as they should be.
surrounded by thorns and stars
Charcoal and watercolor on Arches hot pressed watercolor paper.
14" x 11"
2022
INTRODUCTION:
Surrounded by Thorns and Stars" depicts a Meadowlark perched on a budding Goldenrod plant, surrounded by a vine of thorns but not harmed by it. Two stars are within the painting, emphasizing the delicate balance of life in the natural world.
