UnEarthed is an invitation to rediscover our sense of wonder and our place in the living world. This body of work aims to move you past a quick look and toward meaningful connection.  Just as we are active participants in nature, not spectators, I invite you to become part of this experience.

In nature, not all discoveries are found at eye level. This work challenges traditional sightlines, prompting viewers to lean in, to peer down, and to look closely. Peeking into a pond, you might see the tail of a crayfish. Looking up, you might notice a delicate cicada shell left behind on a branch. Rolling back a log, you might find the fleeting glint of a salamander. My art highlights these often-overlooked details—the small, seemingly inconsequential moments that get lost in the busyness of daily life.

This exhibit also reflects a personal shift in perspective. I began this series focused on the harm humans inflict on the Earth, but found myself reconnected with a profound truth: we are not separate from nature; we are a part of it. We share a reciprocity with all living things. Just as birds eat berries and disperse seeds, we can harvest from our gardens, making room for new growth. This interconnectedness allows both us and the world around us to flourish.

I rediscovered this connection through nearly forgotten childhood memories—wading knee-deep for crawdads and peeling back the bark of a dead tree to find a caterpillar. In the face of young adult stresses like job hunting and graduate school, these memories can feel frivolous. Yet I have found that it is these small moments of discovery—the sight of swallows swarming overhead or a woodpecker peeking from its well-worn hole—that recharge and inspire me. This work is an offering, a reminder that the enjoyment of nature is not reserved for scientists or experts, but for anyone willing not just to look, but to truly see the world around them.