"In every phase of our imaginative, aesthetic, and emotional lives we are profoundly dependent on this larger context of the surrounding world."

― Thomas Berry

When in the presence of nature, something within us is stirred. As we listen deeply to the voice of the natural world, we often find ourselves enraptured by its revelations drawing us to contemplate its nature and our relation to it. Whether we are in awe of its profound beauty ― struck by the grandeur of a tree, the stillness of the rocks, the vastness of the fields, the tranquility of the mountains, to the gush of the falls and the rhythm of the waves, the gentle touch of the wind and the pouring rain, the descent of a bird, the patterns of a honeycomb, the scent of a flower, or the gentle comfort as we walk barefoot on the grass, or in terror of its immense power―in the roaring thunder, or the swirling storms, the massive shaking of the ground, or the spewing flame of a volcano,―there is in us an intrinsic knowing that apart from the human race, we are constantly in the presence of life forms and non-life elements, from which we are not separate, and which sustain our existence.

“The natural world is the larger sacred community to which we belong. To be alienated from this community is to become destitute in all that makes us human”.

― Thomas Berry

The proclivities and works of the artists in this exhibition resonate with what Thomas Berry has eloquently expressed about the universe as "a communion of subjects rather than a collection of objects". Each artist engages a dialogue with the natural world ― particularly with a 'subject' of nature with which they have a distinct affinity to or personal relationship with. It is an invitation to bring forth the poetic visual language of the subtle intimations of a conversation between the artist and the ‘subject.’

An experience is personal, relationship is intimate. Recollecting the experience of communing with nature, the artists re-create a space of engagement between the human and the natural world represented by creative responses. As a collective, the exhibition echoes the continuing profound presencing of nature to humans and the human to nature.

“We are one, after all, you and I, together we suffer, together exist, and forever will recreate each other.”

― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

“Nature is a realm of intricate structures and processes, as artists, our intervention stems from our consciousness of connecting to the larger realm of living beings…,” says Sam Feleo who collaborated with Anjo Joaquin in the creation of terraria. Each terrarium is 'a reminder of our forgotten selves, and of beings that sustain us.' Deeply fascinated with biomineralization, teeth, bones, shells, and crystals, Sam Feleo responds with another work, 'Crystal Burst, Sonic Bloom,' through the process of deconstruction and reconstruction of images. Curiously studying images, she cuts parts into pieces and meticulously re-assembles/re-configures them to create a collage of a new expression of the same thing, in what she calls a ‘sonorous type of energy, like a burst of life.’

Yas Doctor observes, reflects, creates. She states, “‘Reclamation’ is a word often associated with manmade projects supposedly made for the benefit of the people.” In her work, she says, “reclamation is taken from the point of nature--- from as big as sinkholes to the tiny sprouts of foliage appearing between concrete cracks.” Her keen observation of the seemingly ordinary things and their processes of action and reaction reveal the same pattern in the bigger scheme of life and the processes of nature, teaching us through metaphors the many layers of the reality of life.

Reclamation: Quiet Corners I

Graphite on paper, 6 x 7 inches each, 2021

Reclamation: Quiet Corners II

Graphite on paper, 6 x 7 inches each, 2021

In ‘I am smaller than what is happening to me,’ ND Harn visualizes her “fear of the inescapable and uncontrollable nature of a natural disaster, a pandemic, and the complicated relationships in my home life.” Recognizing the powers of nature, the complexity and vulnerability of life, and the often-irresponsible attitude of humans, she responds with this series that depicts her house gradually getting submerged in black, trapping her inside. For Harn, it represents not only the fear of living in a flood-prone area during a pandemic but also the hopelessness of not being able to fix or leave behind a broken relationship.

I am smaller than what is happening to me

Installation of 40 Drypoint prints with acrylic , 7.5 x 5.5 inches each , 2021

Meanwhile, Anton Villaruel takes on a creative relational project. As an active response to the worsening climate crisis, in his ‘HALA MÆN,’ he initiates a ‘one art installation is to one tree planting rule’ to engage others for a more proactive response to the issue. From his place as an artist, he does not stop at creating an output to be experienced, but one that invites the viewer ‘to foster a tree by volunteering their efforts and space’ for the propagation of ‘life.’

Finally, Diwa Abueva brings us ‘home’ – to our domestic environment. Speaking of her cat, and perhaps of any pet that man has a close relation to, she says, “A long process of evolution has made it possible for our species and theirs to come and live together. I find myself amazed and happy about this and think of it as a continuing personal relationship with the cosmos. What my cat thinks, on the other hand, is still a mystery.” And perhaps will remain a mystery within the limits of the intellect. But in our hearts, we know to be true what nature speaks - in the glimpses of intimations of their presence when we choose to be present and attentive.

Cat Meadow

Acrylic on canvas, 5 x 6 feet each (diptych), 2021

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