"Wild Rising" "Sacred Hollow Farm: Cultivating Harmony, One Bloom at a Time"

A Conversation with Michael Cockram of Bowerbird Design

An interview with Christy Melhart Slay

Caite Mae Ramos (b.1991, Springdale, Arkansas) is an Oglala Lakota multidisciplinary artist who is interested in observations of the natural world and human interactions with it. For almost three years their work and research has centered around a remnant prairie and savannah in South Fayetteville, Arkansas called The Oak Knoll. Caite began researching on the site looking to deepen their knowledge of Andropogon gerardi ‘Big Bluestem’ a tall grass that is native to the area but also native to parts of the ancestral homelands of The Oceti Sakowin and where their dad grew up in South Dakota. ‘When I walk into a tallgrass prairie, Big Bluestem is always the first to greet me-face to face. It’s oriented perpendicular to the land just like us in our human form. Seeing its presence in Northwest Arkansas really validated my presence here, connected me with who I am, and taught me about place and resiliency through the lens of a wildly overlooked grass.” Working with The Oak Knoll for specific artworks led to Caite sharing the space as an extended classroom to their foundations class at The University of Arkansas. They linked each of their students to a plant species to research and create work from as a way to share the local history of what this land used to look like and form relationships with what is now. Caite believes sharing these stories and plants is a way to protect and care for the land. Being in conversation with botanists in the area has been integral to learning these spaces and the relationships formed are inseparable from the work Caite has made: Jennifer Ogle introduced Caite to The Oak Knoll and the scientific methods of research through The University of Arkansas Herbarium. Sarah Nunn traveled with Caite to other remnant prairies and taught them how to responsibly gather and press specimens. Samantha Heller shared her expansive knowledge of native plants and ability to ID them. “Learning plants with these women has been a formative part of life and practice- they’re so generous with their time and knowledge and always with their own flavor of humor and wit. Their individual love for the prairie and ongoing work continuously pushes me to be a better human and artist.” Caite’s work directly inspired from The Oak Knoll remnant prairie savannah: “Remnant’s Observed’, ‘Remnant’s Rest’, and ‘Passing Through’ can be viewed at caitemaeramos.com .

Welcome to a deep dive into one of my most heartfelt projects to date: the "Human Nature" series. This collection is more than just a photography project; it's a spiritual journey and an environmental manifesto, born from a profound awakening that inspired me to reevaluate how we coexist with our planet. 1. The Genesis of Human Nature The origins of "Human Nature" can be traced back to a personal revelation that occurred in a place of cherished childhood memories—a place we affectionately called the "fern factory" along a red dirt road. It was here, among the moss and ferns, where the seeds of this project were planted. As I revisited these haunts of my youth, I collected fragments of my past, piecing them together to create what I call "living sculptures." These sculptures became the cornerstone of the series, each one representing a step back toward my roots and a step forward in my understanding of our bond with nature. 2. Reflection and Revelation Each piece in the "Human Nature" series invites viewers to ponder profound questions: Why are we here? What truly matters to us? How should we live our lives in harmony with the natural world? This project has been a way for me to turn the camera inward, documenting my journey of rediscovery and growth. It challenges not only my perceptions but also those of my audience, encouraging a collective introspection about our roles as stewards of the Earth. 3. Living in Harmony "Human Nature" is a call to action—a plea for each of us to embrace a lifestyle that balances our needs with those of the planet. Through this series, I explore themes of sustainability such as food as medicine, the use of solar energy, and the reduction of toxins in our daily lives. Each photograph and sculpture is a narrative piece, reflecting the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and earth. 4. Community Engagement and Dialogue A key component of "Human Nature" has been the Salon Series, where I partner with local businesses to host talks and discussions that complement the themes of the project. These events, alongside a corresponding Photo Essay series published on social media, aim to foster a community dialogue about sustainable living and environmental consciousness. 5. A Vision for the Future The journey of "Human Nature" culminates in exhibitions and events in Monroe, Louisiana, and Northwest Arkansas, supported by a grant that helps bring this vision to life. My hope is that this series not only showcases the beauty and necessity of a more sustainable lifestyle but also inspires others to consider how they can make changes in their own lives to better align with the natural world. 6. We Are Nature Through "Human Nature," I seek to dissolve the artificial separations that distance us from our environment. We are not apart from nature; we are a part of nature. My aim is to rekindle that innate connection and remind us all of the vital role we play in the health and vitality of our planet. This series is a journey back to the basics, to the pure and simple truths that we often forget in our busy lives. It's about finding beauty in the basics and wisdom in the wilderness. I invite you to join me in this exploration, to share in the discovery and perhaps find a path to your own awakening. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections on this series. Feel free to share your views, questions, or inspirations in the comments below. Together, we can raise our vibrations and create a more harmonious world. Stay tuned to see this full series unfold again on this blog.