The public lands of the Colorado Plateau are a living canvas of deep time, etched with bleeding mineral stains, geologic marbling, and fragile erosional textures. 

 

These features—carved over millions of years—represent a natural masterpiece that is currently facing a period of profound instability. From the looming threat of expanded mining to the erosion of federal protections for National Monuments, the physical integrity of these wild places is at a critical crossroads.

 

By utilizing an aerial perspective and intentionally omitting the horizon, I transform these vast landscapes into intimate abstractions. This vantage point strips away the familiar context of "scenery," instead focusing the viewer’s eye on the raw, artistic details of the geology. 

 

While ground-level photography captures the grandeur of the Plateau, the aerial view offers an intimacy with the land. These images serve as a visual argument for protection. By presenting the earth as a fragile piece of art, I aim to create a visceral connection between the viewer and these geologic wonders.

 

If extraction over preservation continues to be prioritized, the exposed geology of the Colorado Plateau faces potential irreversible damage. This project serves as an urgent call to protect our public lands, inviting viewers to cherish the intricate details of the ancient geologic artistry of the Colorado Plateau, that once scarred, can never be restored.