Reclamation,2022

The inspiration for this painting were these old, weathered groynes used to protect beaches, in this case, Dungeness from being eroded by the constant and relentless ocean surge. These relatively small pieces of wood are being reclaimed by a larger earth process. The groynes reminded me that we humans are futilely trying to protect ourselves against the magnitude of the earth's processes which, while worthwhile, is ultimately ineffective. It must be the geologist in me that appreciates how old the planet is, 4.5 billion years versus humans (at best, 2 million years). The planet and environment have weathered worse and will be fine, but we are vulnerable and we should not think ourselves above our planet, but part of it. Perhaps then, we could be better stewards and translate our words into action. .