Cryptoecology

2008 | Cryptoecology comprises a series of reflections on our relationship to the natural world. The word cryptoecology is a variation of  cryptozoology, defined as “the study of and search for animals and especially legendary animals (as Sasquatch) usually in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence.”  These works are designed to be a mysterious, non-didactic explorations of the human relationship to the natural world and the parallels of human and ecological disaster. 

In Cryptoecology’s Parable Series, small-scale human disasters and other scenarios are tucked into the mouths of mounted fish heads displayed in gilded frames. Just Sleeping consists of bright-colored animal figures cavorting in a dream-like road scene. Indicator Species has mounted bird skulls holding the flaccid tombstones of four types of animals seen as indicators of overall environmental health. The interactive installation Choose Your Weapon, allowed viewers the opportunity to shoot, with paintballs and slingshots, human or friendly animal targets covering the gallery walls. After 14,000 paintballs are expended, the resulting colossal mess mirrors the impact we have on the environment.