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 Sea Ranch, which were felled to contain the spread of soil-borne pathogens. By juxtaposing layers of images —of the remaining cypress stumps, 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. Its palette, drawn from the hues of native flora, reflects the environmental impacts of climate change—from prolonged drought to extreme wet seasons—on the landscape.

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