containR Youth Mural Project: Blog Post # 1 by Mary Annan

Photos by Mary Annan

We recognize that we are complex in nature. Why do some fail to recognize that nature is subject to that complexity, as well. Are we separate from nature, or a conscious subset of it? For all we know, we may be the only organisms with the cognition to ask ourselves these questions. Mural artist Jax Naugler (17) said:

“I think that there is so much nature does to keep people alive and happy, without expecting much in return.” 

As his mural is in the beginning stage, towards completion, the themes are gradually unravelling. What I capture from my lens today cannot be replicated tomorrow. That is something that I appreciate about photography. By documenting his creative process through my lens, I am not only collaborating with the artist, but with nature as well. My work is constantly manipulated by the environment. The light is what allows my image to be seen by the naked eye. The landscape or background is often what determines ambience. The ground is my stabilizer. 

What do you do in your day to day life, in collaboration with the environment? Do you take the time to acknowledge its credit?