American Heartwood

Series is Growing, stay tuned...

6x12" pastel, practice sketch

In this series, American Heartwood, I explore the delicate intersection of strength and fragility in nature through the medium of soft pastel. This collection of work showcases endangered trees native to North America, exploring their ecological and cultural importance with visual design cues that highlight the present environmental crisis. Each bold pastel mark is laid down not by chance; the formal design of each piece compels a deeper reflection on our relationship to, and responsibility for, the natural world.
 
The influence of Craftsman and Art Nouveau styles runs throughout the series, shaping not only the compositional approach but also the message. The Craftsman tradition’s emphasis on natural materials and harmonious design allows for visual elements that refer to uniquely beneficial qualities, such as: providing habitats to other species, suitability for lumber, fabric dyeing, and edible or medicinal qualities. Meanwhile, the organic lines and stylized patterns of Art Nouveau echo the flowing, intricate beauty of nature, contrasting the formal design elements with more organic detail of the leaves, branches, fruit, and bark. 

​Ultimately, American Heartwood is an invitation to pause and consider what we would do for that which we value in this world. Whether you appreciate nature for its own sake, or for how it impacts your life, we have a collective role to play in ensuring its survival. Through color, texture, and design, I hope to awaken a sense of urgency about the perilous balance of the natural world, inspiring dialogue around conservation and the future of our forests.

In this era of climate uncertainty, I want to ensure that the dangers threatening our native trees do not go unnoticed amidst all the noise. Our natural resources are something many take for granted. There is danger in complacency, and so I seek to banish it by shining a light through the canopy.

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Fraser Fir​

Fraser Fir are primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains above 4,000 feet. They are one of the most popular trees around Christmas time. Fraser fir has been used more times as the White House Christmas tree than any other kind.

Unforunately, this tree's population is in decline due to climate change and the invasive balsam woolly adelgid. Seeds are being collected by the Center for Plant Conservation for gene preservation in the hopes that a future solution to the adelgid problem will be discovered. But climate change is still an ongoing threat.

18x36" soft pastel, 2025.

Butternut​

The framing around the image alludes to butternut's usage in furniture building, wood turning, and fabric dyeing, as well as their edible seeds that are well-loved by humans and animals alike.

Did you know that the yellow-brown of early Confederate military uniforms during the Civil War comes from a dye made from butternut hulls? The later-used grey cloth was not readily available, and this was a homespun alternative.

These trees are rapidly disappearing due to an invasive fungal disease called butternut canker. No control for the fungal disease exists and butternut trees​ have no natural defenses against it.

24x24" soft pastel, 2025.

Black Ash​

Coming soon...