12″ x 18″; 16″ x 25″; 24″ x 36″
Acrylic on wood panel
In Collaboration with Lauren Haydon, Watershed Protection Coordinator – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
In this piece, I celebrate the high-quality watersheds of Wisconsin, while also warning of their fragility. Individually, each panel represents a microcosm of the beauty and function that appear in Wisconsin ecosystems. My exploration ranges from shaded forest housing cold-water-loving brook trout, to wild rice (manoomin) fields serving as an important source of food and culture to the Ojibwe people, to the magnificence of Lake Superior (gichigami). These ecosystems left intact are resistant and resilient to disturbances that may occur. Within the flowage emerges seven figures, echoing the indigenous idea that decisions made today must consider how they will affect descendants seven generations to come. I paint with impasto brushstrokes to evoke a sense of the energy radiating from water and surrounding life. In juxtaposition with the splendor of these watersheds, is the unstable, fragile structure of the piece, reminiscent of our watersheds if not properly protected.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Liam is a undergraduate student at University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point double majoring in Art and Conservation and Community Planning. Liam’s preferred medium is paint, though he enjoys experimenting with others, including ceramics and sculpture. In his work, Liam is interested in expressing the human experience and perception of the world through abstraction and stylization.
Instagram: liamrkaplanart
ABOUT THE WATER PARTNER
Lauren Haydon joined the DNR in November 2023 and focuses on outreach, including modeling and assessment training, increasing awareness about water resources protection and providing technical assistance to partners working on protection projects. Her background ranges from boots-on-the-ground conservation planning and implementation projects to regional program coordination. Lauren works on the Healthy Watersheds, High Quality Waters statewide action plan.
One of the four key objectives of the Healthy Watersheds, High-Quality Waters statewide action plan is to increase external awareness about the places we seek to protect. In particular we are interested in promoting and sharing water resources protection stories and helping Wisconsinites understand the true value of healthy waters. I think using art and media to convey this would be very impactful and I look forward to seeing what someone else would take away from this initiative that DNR staff might not have considered. I greatly enjoy the collaborative process and have always sought out opportunities to support and amplify artists through my work in water resources.
MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH SUPPORT FROM
