Smoky Sunset with Fireweed ‘To me, this scene goes beyond simply being a nice image to one that helps engage the inquisitive viewer in questions about how fire shapes the landscape. Part of my mission as an artist is to create imagery that teaches people something if they are curious enough to ask questions. What is our relationship with fire? Did Native Americans use fire as a tool to manage the landscape? How and why? Why do many people think fire is "bad?" Is this view wise when we know fire literally shaped most of the plant communities in Glacier Park and the Western U.S.? Why are we having larger fires on average than historically? Could climate change be a factor? What about the effects of fire suppression the last 100 years? Are fire dependent species declining as a result of fewer low-severity fires? These are just a few ideas that inspired me to create this image. My wish is that this image will help people celebrate Glacier National Park on a higher level than simply enjoying the beauty of the landscape.’
Brett Thuma
Medium: Photography