As I began this project, ecofeminist theory was at the forefront of my mind. I was wrestling with the parallels between women’s oppression and the destruction of our natural world as I dove deeper into how these issues have both stemmed from the patriarchy. The frustration I was experiencing within my own identity and this building knowledge was quickly rising. I was uncertain how to properly express it until I began playing with fire. Literally.

What started as a simple experiment became the essence of this project: what would happen if I burnt my negatives? As photographers, we’re taught to treat our negatives with care; try to prevent scratches, avoid fingerprints, and always clean off the dust. When I abandoned these rules, I discovered the expression I had been longing for. Our environment and access to nature are being destroyed right in front of our eyes. The National Park Service is facing the negative effects of the government shutdown as jobs and resources are being swiftly eliminated, but park visits do not slow down. Permanently damaging these images taken in our national and state parks symbolizes the current moment we are in.