NATURE ABIDES

In this project, I reflect upon some small but meaningful gains, moments where nature has persevered despite the continued pressure of humankind's presence on the planet. The work consists of vignettes, small stories worth noting for the resiliency they convey. On the Channel Islands, several species have been recommended for removal from the endangered species list following extensive efforts to restore habitat and remove invasive species. Young trees are beginning to emerge from scorched soil in the Winema-Fremont National Forest, four years after a devastating wildfire burned over 400,000 acres. The California Red-Legged Frog is making strides towards recovery with the collaborative help of institutions in California and Mexico. Urban plants are remarkable at surviving, even when our artificial structures nearly crowd them out. I pay homage to these instances of resilience through tenderly embroidered portraits. Such handwork is slow, laborious, and contemplative, requiring me to observe with heightened attention. These are bittersweet stories; a few incremental steps forward against a relentless tide of destruction. By focusing on these little moments that might pass unnoticed, I am allowing myself the possibility that we are not past the point of recovery.