Companionship and interference, both human interaction and ecological traditions, is an investigative process in my work. Inserting myself into the habitat creates a juxtaposition based on the interaction with the landscape and transforming it as an artist, conservationist, and being. It is a vital part of my artistic process to communicate my ideals of preserving and protecting the environment. In my ongoing series, Retrieved Landscapes, I examine the encroachment man has on the natural world, how humans infringe on our surroundings, and directly impacts us. Subtle moments are captured, showing how we interact with and develop the earth to fit the needs of humans. The focus is to embrace our awareness of the earth and to start a plan of action to preserve and protect it. Through observation and research, I am interested in incorporating human connection and the effects to other beings and our surroundings. The actuality of how the world around us is constantly changing is determined by how much humans give and take. Now is the time for action and I want to raise awareness of the current global crisis. As an individual, how I present my work is directly derived from my experiences, and I want to bring light to a high priority issue. I engage with imagery to explore the boundaries of landscape photography and documentary photography, promoting ideals and current ecological concerns. The ability to survey the landscape and construct meaning from nature is a part of the process of this series. I want to embrace the essence of man and how we are a part of the landscape. The focus of the project is to include both the obvious and subtle presence of human interaction and interference in the natural world. Many landscape images are absent of a man-made presence. I want to convey how we as humans have changed the landscape as a species and developed ways to coincide and preserve the earth.
Larissa Ramey
Larissa Ramey is a multimedia artist who primarily works with photography. Her works display themes about race, identity, body image, and the environment.