We have become more divided than we ever have, is what I keep hearing and reading in almost every media outlet I watch and read from. I think, though, that if this is true, then people want to connect more, and need it more than ever. I understand that we might see each other as distasteful from time to time, but mostly, what we see is a mirror of ourselves, our unanswered and untapped gifts, our regrets over not risking something to challenge ourselves to be better.

Through my time on this planet, the only thing I have valued more than making things has been my relationships with the people in my life. The people who have helped me grow, have called me on my shit, have encouraged me, supported me, and loved me no matter what. These relationships are more valuable than anything, and due to a number of factors, relationships are becoming more and more tenuous, and people are feeling more and more alone, and strange even to themselves.

To this end, I have made 2024 the year of pollination. Every month, I will be “pollinating” one section of my town with 100 small artworks for people to interact with or take if they choose to do so. I have been thinking about how to best serve the people and creatures of the planet, and I truly believe that if we all listened to our creative impulses, if we were taught to create instead of consume, most of the social problems we now face would evaporate.

It is my intention to wake people up to their creative power through these works by putting thoughtful pieces of art in places where people who are not looking to see art, go. For January, I will be placing 100 ceramic rocks in Whatcom Falls Park. Each is uniquely decorated with colorful palettes and images of pollinators, industrialization imagery, and the common image, a “you are here” symbol in red.

Each month, the pieces will have this symbol, as well as a QR code leading back to a website which talks about the human ability and drive to create, why we have been trained out of this, and how we might get it back. There are many things we replace connection and community with, and addiction to substances and now, media/entertainment on our devices can be added to that list.

If we are to truly reverse what has been degrading the planet, we must first tend to ourselves and each other. We will not reverse and create a just world if we cannot connect with ourselves on a deep and meaningful level.

I do believe, when given the chance, people would rather love than kill each other, and would rather create than consume. If my work can spark some thought around this concept, and get people to talk about what it means to truly be here, in our bodies, aware and reverent to our creative powers, I think we might be able to create a world where love, acceptance, and community are our most valuable assets.