Interconnected Roots: Our Dual Relationship with Nature and Progress

Pen and ink contemporary fine art by Doug Ashby.

I once dreamed of a more solitary life. In many respects, I still do. However, I am slowly learning that true fulfillment often occurs within a community. Yet, like many of us, I yearn for moments of tranquility when I am fully engaged in my creativity. I wonder if, by being completely cut off, the deep roots required for a fully engaged life with the creative spirit could ever emerge. This tension, this duality, is something we humans exhibit on so many levels.

In the artwork you see here, I aim to explore, as I have many times before, what it means to be human in this world we share so closely with our environment. The natural world has long been our companion, and we have a complex, intertwined relationship with it. Humanity wields great power over the environment, shaping it to meet our desires, yet we cannot exist without it. The path forward will require each of us to consider carefully where we draw the line between creation and preservation.

To achieve this, we must open ourselves up to the reality that everything—literally everything—is connected. This will require reacquainting ourselves with knowledge from past traditions while integrating the overwhelming amount of information and data coming at us at an accelerated pace. It’s no small feat, as our modern lives are dizzyingly complex.

In the artwork, I depict a single tree, hanging precariously on the edge of a rocky outcropping. The tree’s roots desperately cling to the solid ground, pushing outward and through, symbolizing our deep connection to the earth. Trees have a long and storied tradition in nearly every culture as symbols of wisdom and connection. Here, the roots intertwine with the abstraction of a single brain cell, falling in line with a more linear, human order. It is within the roots of the tree that life’s interconnectedness is shown, where wisdom, growth, and resilience reside.

Years ago, I lived in New York City for a summer—a city that exemplifies humanity’s ability to carve out an existence from an environment offering little natural space. The street layouts, subway networks, and architecture are like a lifeblood, linking all who inhabit it. However, this network is vastly different from the organic systems that gave rise to it. In this artwork, I weave my love of city planning into the idea that while humanity continues to exert its will in geometric, non-organic ways, we cannot escape the reality that all we build is dependent on nature’s raw materials. This duality brings both the rewards of modern life and the challenges we face as we move forward.

As an artist, I am drawn to exploring our dualistic relationship with the environment, and I aim to challenge the viewer to consider their role within the bigger picture. Our roots, like the tendrils of dendrites and axons that power thought and innovation, symbolize our creative potential—both to build and destroy. History is rife with this conundrum, and at this moment, it is crucial to pause and reflect on what it means to possess such power. The future, with all its marvels, is rushing toward us at a pace that can feel overwhelming. There is a need to slow down and reflect on how we can harness our abilities for the betterment of all.

Of course, contemplation and patience are not necessarily human traits, and it’s up to each of us to bring awareness and intention to this process in whatever ways we can. Pretending otherwise is folly. I find myself both excited about the possibilities and concerned about the hubris that often accompanies human progress.

This hubris, exhibited throughout history, remains one of my greatest concerns. Humanity has a poor track record when it comes to respecting the very thing that gives us life—our environment. Where does the balance lie? I believe much of it falls within the realm of government, though that can be unpredictable. Government, after all, is a reflection of community—especially in a democracy. As individuals, we can make responsible choices toward a sustainable future, but the larger triumphs and challenges ahead require collective action from both governments and communities. I believe it’s possible to improve the quality of life for all without destroying the resources we rely on, but it will require careful balance between present needs and the future we want to create.

So, how do we continue innovating in a way that lifts people up without depleting the environment that sustains us? What can an individual do in such a deeply interconnected world? How do we ensure that the wealth we create is shared more equitably? Through this artwork, I invite viewers to consider not only the tension between humanity and nature but also our personal responsibility in shaping the future. The image of a solitary tree, standing on its own yet supported by a network of connected roots, reflects the challenges we face. It is only together that we can solve the hard problems coming our way. At this moment, we are giving birth to technologies so powerful that without reflection on who we are as a species, we risk losing control of tomorrow. Perhaps all will be well, but has there ever been a time when reflection on ourselves was more critical?

I am far from perfect in this project. After all, I am human, with all the faults that come with that. I indulge in the conveniences modernity provides, just like everyone else. But becoming a parent has made me reflect on my actions—both on a macro and micro level. I try to be mindful of my consumption, practice sustainability, and act as an ethical steward in my place in the world. Yet, I am always striving to do better. My intention as an artist is to create work that makes people stop and think more deeply about their own role in shaping tomorrow.

I feel hopeful about the future. Sometimes it is hard to hold on to that hope, but human nature, with all its flaws, leans toward progress. Every day, I witness small acts of kindness and cooperation that show the best of us within our community. A community, like our nature, is emerging with a unique duality—we are part of both micro and macro systems. We must understand that our roots, and the knowledge they carry, move outward far beyond us. This interconnectedness gives us the power to shape a future of abundance for all. We just have to recognize it and act in ways that reveal it. Amazing things will happen if we do.

As always, I hope you enjoy the art and the writing. I would love to hear your thoughts and engage further. Please leave a comment, and I promise I will respond. Let’s connect!

Thanks,

Doug