I once came across a girl about seven years old who had her face inches from a stream in which her dad was fishing. She was excitedly looking at the frogs and minnows, turning over rocks and pieces of wood, and taking treasures back to show her dad. She looked up at me and said, with barely contained enthusiasm- “I love, love, LOVE exploring!” I couldn’t help but smile- I also love to explore.
I can google nature photos and flip through breathtaking images, but in these easy to consume photographs, there is no connection, no lesson, and no depth. In a world of short lived, quick and easy to get pictures and videos, there’s something romantic about having to slow down and really look before being rewarded with a tiny, beautiful beetle, or the intricately woven collection of items within a bird’s nest.
With paint, I explore these hidden gems. With each, I learn more about my surroundings, reaching out to friends- naturalists, birders, and growers- who teach me about native plants and the animals who rely on them. In the process of gathering my subjects and painting, I discover another piece of a puzzle that is dynamic, hungry, and always in process.
Artist Jessica Monroe 