Artist statement:

This mutilated ash tree spliced with an earth-casted foam mushroom stands grounded as a singular portrait of two commensalistic organisms that both suffer from invading consumption. Within everyday nature, the ash tree's root system enhances the ecosystem it stands in, and provides a probable environment for morel mushrooms to sprout. Simultaneously, the ash tree is threatened by the voracious emerald ash borer insect, while the morel mushrooms are hunted and severed by humans. Both phyla are presented in one encircled form to illustrate their same fate, and to emphasize the importance of conservation within regions like Appalachia. The Hocking Hills (where this faux dirt-shroom was cast) is an isolated area of wildlife that is slowly being overtaken by tourism. As the capitalistic eyes of humans examine the wilderness to pillage, the invisible eyes of the helpless prey often outnumber the invaders. Both humans and the ash borers are examples of aliens invading a forest, yet one has a non-instinctive choice to make.

Exhibited at the Columbus College of Art and Design’s 2022 Nexus exhibition, the Sean Christopher Gallery Ohio, and Beeler Gallery.