“My artistic journey delves into the interplay between the natural world and humanity, inviting viewers to contemplate our place within this shared realm. Through the expressive language of color, texture, and shape, I channel the influences of the Group of Seven and First Nations artists, drawing also from my own background as a printmaker. In doing so, I’ve crafted a distinctive style that not only presents the familiar landscapes the observer anticipates, but also reveals the concealed impacts of human presence on these scenes. I employ manmade pigments purposefully, infusing these traditional landscapes with human elements—mirroring our unceasing influence on nature’s canvas. This infusion serves as a poignant reminder of how we’ve intertwined ourselves with the very landscapes we cherish.
In a world where the language of art has always been a potent conduit for conveying messages, emotions, and ideas, I embrace this responsibility with a heightened urgency. Climate change is a universal challenge that necessitates collective action and heightened awareness. My own connection to this cause finds its roots in the landscapes of Northern Ontario where I grew up. As a child, I, like many, took my surroundings for granted. It was only upon returning to those familiar terrains as an adult that I truly grasped the profound beauty of the land and the diverse relationships various groups have cultivated with it. From the privileged individuals who lay claim to its waters for sport, to the indigenous peoples who nurture the land, to the far-reaching consequences we all bear on the climate and environment—these realizations became the seeds of my artistic exploration.”