Photomanipulation nominee

This series illustrates an individual's creative journey beginning with the wonder associated with youth and progressing through to one's claiming an advanced awareness of the greater global situation concerning climate change. Each montage consists of photos taken from different locations around the globe, ranging from Berlin to California, Spain to Thailand. They were shot between 2012 and 2019. The goal of this work has been to draw attention on humanity's responsibility for stewarding this amazing planet. These are visual poems, aesthetically enlivened calls to the human spirit. For it is my belief that art has a role to play in bringing fresh inspiration to the environmental crisis descending upon us. I utilize archetypal symbols such as; the flames of a fire, a gong, flowing water, and an open-road-window to enhance my message. The child, as inferred, exemplifies a healthy 'awe-factor.' The second montage is meant to show the evolving stages a person claims in comprehending the materiality of existence. The third shows the knowledge of worldly exposure. The fourth deals with inspired action. While the last alludes to becoming motivated as an agent for social awareness and, optimally, for creative change and self-empowerment!

I've been a potter for many years. It's provided me a living as well as a means to develop my visual arts' skills. Since nursery school I've wanted to be a "Professional Finger-Painter," though it wasn't until a grueling bout with cancer that I stubbornly committed to achieving that infantile goal. The year was 2011 and I decided that an extended trip to Asia would be a boon to my recovery. Singapore, Borneo, Bali, and Java were my destinations. New Mexico is a chilly place to spend the winter. I craved warmth, had a close buddy in rural Bali and knew I could hold-up enshrouded by the cloak of his and his family's deep love. Roaming throughout those islands I took reams and reams of photos. I even joined an esoteric meditation group in Java, but it wasn't until I found myself scaling the tiers of the ancient Tantric monument of Borobudur that my true purpose came totally clear. I would encapsulate my learnings in images such as those shown here. Carpe diem moments are not to be squandered lightly...Give back what you most dear!