from: Wildfires in My Landscape, 2021

Animated Photography

I superimposed a found image documenting a recent wildfire in Colorado onto a recent photograph I took in rural Ontario, CAN. The animation unfolds over an extended period of time to convey as a premonition, situating the fire as though it is documented in Ontario’s landscape.  

I often think, as I read the news about wildfires elsewhere – that similarly destructive and devastating fires could easily happen in areas where I or my loved ones live, areas which so far, have not been directly impacted by the increase in wildfires resulting from climate change.

Created for an exhibition at Ryniker-Morrison Gallery at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT.

Wildfire Details:

• Name: Bobcat Fire 
• Date Fire Started: Sept 2, 2020
• Location: southeast of Roundup, MT 
• Details: Burned approx. 30,030 acres of primarily short grass and timber, was 95% contained by Oct 7, 2020.

Source of Photograph Documenting CO Fire: Photographed by Casey Page for the Billings Gazette; used with permission; https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/fire-crews-battling-eastern-montana-blazes-prepare-for-upcoming-severe-weather/article_8bfae57a-d72e-53f0-9699-a58490793e8b.amp.html

Location of Ontario Photograph: southeast of Stouffville, ON