terra infecta, 2026

Archival Pigment Print, various sizes

“"Terra Infecta" (Latin for "infected land") combines art and science to honor the loss of cypress trees at the Del Mar Center on The Sea Ranch, which were felled to contain the spread of soil-borne pathogens. By juxtaposing images of the remaining cypress stumps and a healthy forest floor with microscopic views of the pathogens responsible for the trees' demise, the work examines the paradox between beauty and death, vitality and transience, life and decay. Ultimately, "Terra Infecta" reflects on the environmental impact of climate change on the local landscape.

Thanks to Chris Lee Forest Pathologist and Christopher Tominello-Ramirez, from Cal Poly Humboldt for providing the microscopic images.