INTRODUCTION
“The Strange Ecosystem” is a phrase I have used to describe the realm of events that are considered antithetical to the consensus reality that allows everyone to exist in a structured, or ‘normal’ manner. I am describing the ‘paranormal’ though I hesitate to use it because I find ‘paranormal’ oversaturated with preconceptions. The ‘paranormal’ is not paranormal at all, but rather fairly common and has been a recorded element of human existence for as long as records have been kept. This observation made by many researchers of the strange has forced me to reconsider our own relationship with the world we exist in. Though our species tends to act as if we exist outside of our worldly ecosystem the fact is we can only exist because of our ecosystem. I then cannot help but think despite our best efforts to ignore it, these anomalous events are a part of the ecosystem we exist in but are beyond our current ability to understand how we fit in it. The label of ‘paranormal’ is applied to these events and they are squirreled away because these events complicate our consensus reality.
“The Strange Ecosystem” as a body of work is my form of research. I believe art can be a useful method of investigation due to the similarities of the art and anomalous experiences. I do not consider this body of work as an argument to alter the beliefs of anyone who views it. By documenting my experiences, the experiences of others through art I can explore an alternative way of interacting with my environment and provide a method of re-enchantment for the audience as well.
"The Brown Mountain Lights", Acrylic on Board, 13 1/8" x 13 7/8", 2025
"Visit to Brown Mountain", Audio, 11:00, 2025