About the photographer
In my youth, my father taught my brother and me how to hunt and fish to provide for the family. As time went by and we no longer relied on hunting, I started to appreciate wildlife for its beauty. In my thirties, I studied philosophy. I enjoyed this type of analytical thinking so much that I pursued and obtained a degree in philosophy at Seattle University. It was only after I graduated that I started to ask how I could be a part of something bigger than just myself. After much introspection and honest self-assessment, I discovered what I really cared about is giving a voice to the voiceless wildlife. Through my images, I tell a story that is so compelling and thought provoking that it affects real positive change for the voiceless. I now use my photography to share their story and enjoy showing their personalities and capture their emotions.
Artist Statement
When I’m out in the field it is the only place and time that I truly feel at peace with myself. When I do encounter an animal, whether it be a Grizzly bear or an otter, I feel the same way; at peace. I try to absorb the moment as if I were a dried-out sponge seeking the water to become full again. Time ceases to exist, the air becomes soft and easy to breath, the bugs that once bothered me fade from my consciousness. My breath becomes slow and steady, all of the earthly sounds begin to fade. The only sounds that are discernable are the sounds of my breath and the animal’s breath. As the animal becomes comfortable with my presence and approaches me, I feel the trust that is placed with me. It is in this moment I feel an enormous sense of responsibility to honor the trust that has been placed in me to tell their story.
As the sun fades from the horizon and I begin to pack out my equipment, I am saddened because the moment is over and I fear that I won’t be able to adequately tell the animal’s story. I am worried that their willingness to coexist will largely be ignored by the steady drum beat of progress at all cost. I pine for those times that are spent with wildlife absorbing the moment that has so willingly been shard with me. I wish that people could slow down enough to see that animals can communicate with us and learn to appreciate their stories.
The images in these collections were the result of the past three years going out into the field patiently sitting, and waiting to be invited. In some cases, observing how wildlife will begin to reclaim that, which was taken from them, and heal the scarred land that man has left behind as a reminder to all that they were once victorious over the environment. Through these images I hope to help people connect to the environment and to the wildlife that surrounds us all.
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