Artist Statement Walking the Earth with a Camera A philosophy of presence, reverence, and relationship with the living world. My photographic practice serves as both a path and a way of being. I walk the Earth with my camera not to extract images but to cultivate relationships with the land, light, and the often-overlooked aspects of our surroundings. Whether I find myself in the moss-covered lava fields of Iceland, the ancestral waters of the Galápagos, the forests of Western Canada, or the expansive U.S. National Parks, I move slowly, seeking not just scenes but moments of communion. I wait, I listen, and I allow myself to be transformed by what I witness. I am drawn to what people often overlook: the silent gaze of an animal, the sway of grass in the wind, and the subtle textures of decay and renewal. These are not merely visual subjects; they remind us of the sacredness that exists within the ordinary. My photographs focus less on composition and more on contemplation. They are created not to impress but to invite stillness, presence, and a sense of deeper belonging. My life's work, both in education and art, is grounded in a personal philosophy of relational presence: the belief that deep care, thoughtful attention, and sincere witnessing are among the most meaningful gifts we can offer to one another and to the Earth. I hold a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Toronto, an M.Ed. in Adult Education from Brock University, and an Honours BA in Early Childhood Education. For decades, I have listened to the stories of children, families, and students, creating spaces where each voice matters and every moment is honored. This ethic of listening and holding space now informs every aspect of my photography. Just as I once watched a child discover their place in the world, I now observe the land revealing itself—not through control, but through patience and care. In both contexts, transformation begins with stillness and trust. My camera serves as a vessel for that trust.