Natural Remedy.

Natural Remedy has been in progress for years, I've just never really had any endgame for it. 

I've submitted multiple mural and show proposals, and while it's always been well received, it's never quite gotten across the finish line and actually "won the prize". I've used it for live art, gotten to some final rounds of jurying, and even used a few paintings for freelance design projects, but it's just never had the full green light. As a result, I've created one-offs throughout the years, each time remembering what drew me to the concept in the first place. 

There's just something appealing about letting the natural world show off. Whether it's, natural history museums, cabinets of curiosities of old, illustrated encyclopedias, botanical gardens or just walking through a parks, experiencing nature leaves its mark no matter how that experience happens. 

Natural Remedy seeks to bring that into the home, on the side of a wall, or into a gallery space.

Utilizing a style inspired by illustrated guides and the practice of pressing and drying plants, Natural Remedy is meant to evoke a sense of wonder, educate the viewer on the natural world around them, and place icons of nature onto their deserved pedestal, similar to religious icons, personal artifacts, and momentos.

The simplicity of the marks and lack of refinement brings a sense of playfulness, while the flat rendering and somewhat static layout is meant to evoke both an academic aura and elevate the objects to a place of reverence. A smaller size also gives the paintings and objects an approachability that gives each a sense of intimacy, further enhancing their sacrility.

On a grand scale, the paintings become enveloping; overwhelming in a wholly different sense; that impression of a vast universe with secrets and intricacies just waiting for discovery. 

I'm excited to finally bring this series to view at the Urban Ecology Center in the Menomonee Valley later this winter (more info coming), and hope to continue the project and hopefully find that open wall where I'll finally be able to execute a large scale version. 

Keep an eye out for more info on the show, check out the shop as I continue adding the artwork as it comes to life, and reach out with any interest in a painting or mural of your own!