FROM: WILDFIRES IN MY LANDSCAPE, 2021

ANIMATED PHOTOGRAPHY

I superimposed a found image documenting a recent wildfire in Montana 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 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 reside, 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: Taylor Fire
• Date Fire Started: August 1, 2021
• Location: Between the towns of Winifred and Denton in Fergus County, MT
• Details: Burned approx. 22,909 acres of timber, sage, and hay fields.

Source of Photograph Documenting MT Fire: Fergus County Sheriff’s Office, https://www.montanarightnow.com/fires/fire-in-fergus-county-north-of-bear-springs-road-jumps-judith-river/article_1b700528-f32f-11eb-8cef-431fab683059.html

Location of Ontario Photograph: Wellington Road 123, East of Palmerston, ON