Eruptions and Patterns

What is the sound of a tree falling in the forest? 

The death throes of the tree, perhaps, followed by 

an explosion of new life in its shadow.

The world evolves in recognizable patterns in response to the new conditions created by an endless, essentially infinite number of chance occurrences. We in turn have evolved to notice, analyze and appreciate them, and to rearrange them in abstract reconstructions.

These closely-observed landscapes manifest both the chaos and the miraculous success of natural selection. In turn, death and erosion help to reveal the internal structures. For me, the patterns and abstractions in growth and decay are beautiful, irresistible and thrilling. I approach these scenes with a sense of awe at the struggle to survive and flourish, as well as an intense wonder at the perpetual unfolding of the world.