Everything is nature, no matter how far removed from nature something may seem to be it is still bound within nature. We are creations of it and so everything we create is also a natural creation–in a big picture sense. Of course, the way that nature manifest itself through us (human nature) is unique in this world; we have been gifted with a consciousness which allows use to recognize opportunities that other creatures, generally, do not have the capacity to see. Artistic expression is one example of our deeper awareness, as is the ability to ask questions about our place in nature, such as that asked by Paul Gauguin: Where Do We Come From, What Are We, Where Are We Going? These acts are, I believe, instinctual for us. In other words, for us to successfully fulfill our role in the natural order of things we must question, search, discover, and create. By analyzing our universe and decoding the information inherit in it, and then using what we learn to create [technology] we fulfill ambitions that are naturally in us to help us survive the physical challenges of life, but, there is also an important spiritual/cultural growth which is potentially born out of our deep views into nature. The universe is evolving through us both in terms of creating new things but also in terms of our deeper insight into the non-material aspects of the world like ethics, societal structures, and other areas of a spiritual nature.

There are numerous ways humanity endeavors to gain a deep understanding of the universe, some of the main ways are through, science, art, and religion. All three represent a particular facet of human nature, or maybe a way to look at it is that these are different interpretations of the same observation. For example: if one were to observe a plant’s leaf, a scientist would want to know its taxonomy, an artist will generally not care about what species of plant the leaf came from but would note its aesthetic qualities and maybe attempt to define it in terms of an emotional experience, the theologian would see the leaf in terms of a religious experience. Although these different disciplines can overlap they represent unique aspects of a singular but deeply complex nature.

For me, I explore nature through art, each piece of art is a single small attempt at understanding a million burning questions. Sometimes these answers are given in a visual language that is strange, foreign, or obscure to ones general perception of the world, and many times the answer is just a beckon to ask another question.

I have always loved to create, initially through drawing. Drawing has a way of sharpening ones powers of observation and you become attuned to details around you that are often overlook. I might take note of how an object is lit, for example, or how a group of objects form a nice composition in what most would call a pile of junk. These visual experiences can carry with them a very powerful emotional experience which forces me to question and explore the subject through a work of art or a series of works. Yet, some works evolve differently and are a visual response to a story, an event, or idea that is not visual in nature but is compelling enough that I feel I have to explore it. Overall it is all about seeing externally and internally while questioning , exploring, and expressing both the questions and answers in a pictorial record.

Sometimes, a part of what is learned or experienced in this quest is so unique and/or profound that it ignites the imaginations and emotions of a group of people and focuses their energy on a common path. These can become artistic or cultural movements where a significant number of people embark on the particular avenue of discovery that usually culminats in a characteristic aesthetic. Some of these insights even transcend movements and are labeled as artistic periods or cultural eras and ages. In essence, it is a profound experience–which might be from a new understanding of some aspect of nature–which stirs deep emotions and inspires people to see the world in a common, special way.

Through my own quest to try and understand art, nature, human nature, etc. I have come under the influence of various movements and eras. The most influential of which has been subjectivism and 20th century modernism, though, I feel other eras, in particular, the baroque and some non-european traditions have influenced me as well.

It can be a trap, though, to be stuck in the past and not explore the present to find cultural meaning in our own life. The avant-garde may be gone as an artistic mandate but humanity’s investigations into nature continue to be extraordinarily revelatory. Technology is rapidly altering our lives; changing the way we communicate, obtain and process information, etc. These areas are vitally important to look at and try to understand how they affect our nature, as well the natural world. With new technology there has also come new avenues for visual artist to express themselves, namely with digital media.

These new medias can be difficult to master and find the best way to apply them, though, there have been some great examples of artist making use of them. I have made a strong effort in this area and have, admittedly, had mixed results. Regardless, I enjoy really working on digital 2 and 3D projects and am optimistic of what is to come.

-PRY