Whether rendered as a snapshot of the ocean floor or a few drops of water under a microscope, the densely inhabited paintings by
From jellyfish and seaweed to microbes, the organisms memorialize Earth’s
Even so, Connett shares that he focuses on the immense beauty and his curiosity about the natural world. “I don’t want to sully the pictures I paint with death and ugliness,” he says. “I’m afraid the news of the real world will supply plenty of that.” He explains further:
In the shadow of a withering planet, I create worlds that are lush and thriving. I hope my work can encourage and uplift those who are disheartened by the climate crisis. However, creating a memory of a time when our world was stable is not enough. We all must do everything we can to lessen the causes of the crisis.
Original works, prints, and other products featuring Connett’s meticulous environments are available in