Intention

From Adam -

I spend a lot of time thinking about my individual impact on the planet as well as the human impact overall. I understand through conversation and interaction that these thoughts aren’t running through the minds of everyone else too. I believe that in order for positive environmental change to occur, it must start from the grassroots level. The beginning of real change starts with awareness of the situation at hand. Thus, my hope for my work is to inspire others to think about their relationship with nature and responsibility to care for the planet we inhabit.

Creating visual connections to the impact that our habits and presence have on the planet and the wild places we must preserve is how I approach my work. As my work traverses society and sparks challenging conversations about the future of our planet, I continue to plant as many seeds of thought in as many people as possible with the hope that one day we will see real change.

latest project

Arizona Wildfires

As the U.S. dives into the summer season of 2021, the already parched states of the West are rapidly breaking heat records. with. Temperatures above 120F in Arizona in combination with a lack of moisture essentially turns the bountiful desert of Arizona into one big tinder box.

Ten years after the largest wildfire in Arizona history (Wallow Fire - 522,000+ acres burned), yet another massive wildfire has taken its toll on the Copper State. Arizona is used to an annual fire season with increased wildfires due to the ignitable nature of the landscape. However, this year is different. The wildfires have sprung earlier in the year. They’ve also increased in number and severity— a recipe that puts the state’s resources under immense pressure.

The latest fire to earn its spot amongst the largest wildfires in Arizona history is the Telegraph Fire coming in at #6. The Telegraph Fire burned 180,000+ acres which also makes it the largest wildfire of 2021 in the U.S. There were 300+ fire personnel assigned to work the fire and the effort took weeks to get under control.

Following the disaster, we are left with what you see below… Otherworldly, colorless, lifeless landscape that was once thriving. Sad scenes where the most vibrant color for miles is red from fire retardant dropped in the battle.

project

Mining & Material:

Drawing inspiration from David Maisel and Edward Burtynsky as well as a passion for protecting our precious land, this project is a tour of textural abstractions created through industrial processes. The reality of the matter is that we are taxing our land for resources at a rate far beyond its capabilities. As a result of the variety of processes used to extract and manipulate resources, many toxic chemicals and hazardous materials are unintentionally spread across our lands.

Although abstract and beautiful, these images were made to create more than visual interest. They are meant to develop an awareness and consciousness regarding the use of our land and resources. We must decide as humankind to become more efficient and sustainable with our use of resources. In order to protect the land that we so desperately depend on, change is imperative.

project

Disclaimer: I am not commenting on or criticizing the procedural or operational integrity of the landfill operations that I photograph.

The primary focus of my work is capturing the natural beauty existing all around us. Promise to Our Planet challenges this predominant theme by taking me to places where the land around us is at the expense of our habits. Landfills are a reflection of the wasteful habits prevalent in modern cultures. It’s not the trucks, the tractors, the cities or governments that create them – it is us. It’s our habits, attitudes, and behaviors towards the byproducts of our consumption that make these facilities “necessary.”

These photographs are meant to create contemplation and conversation. Drawing viewers in with scale, detail, and abstraction connects them to the final resting place of their already forgotten waste. We rely on this planet to sustain life and so it is our duty to take care of it. For me, these photographs insinuate disregard for our land and instigate change from within.

Project mentored by Mark Klett and Julie Anand.

UPDATE:

Two photos selected by juror, Olivia Lahs-Gonzales, to appear in the 2019 Endangered Exhibit at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild from August 9 - September 7.

One photo selected by juror Buzzy Sullivan to appear in the 2019 Emerge Exhibit at the Art Intersection Gallery from May 8 - June 1. (Won Best of Post-High School Award)