The history of agriculture is a vast and rich tapestry, full of moments that illustrate its evolution over time. My goal was to create uniting imagery that resonates with a diverse global history while also provoking thoughtful reflection based on my own experiences.

When I envision farming, I see a patchwork of fields from an aerial perspective, reminiscent of the view from an airplane window. I often wonder what previous generations would think as they gazed upon our quilting farmland stretching off into the horizon.

Wheat serves as an almost-universal symbol of agriculture, representing a thread that runs through human history on a global scale. The precursor to the wheat we consume today was among the first and most widely utilized crops, laying the foundation for modern civilization—a true catalyst for change.

As both an artist and a biological anthropologist in training, I am captivated by the impact of agriculture on the human body and our fundamental morphology, as well as the traces of these changes found in the archaeological record. The transition to an agricultural diet had immediate effects on our dental patterns—our teeth bear the marks of this shift, revealing unique wear as populations began to rely on wheat as a staple food. Unlike the diverse diets of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, this reliance led to worn teeth that tell a story of longevity and community. 

While some point to advanced technology or exquisite arts as the first signs of humanity, I believe the true measure of our humanity lies in the earliest evidence of healed bones and worn teeth. These indicators demonstrate our capacity for compassion and collaboration, showcasing our choice to cultivate community and care for one another.

My work seeks to unite our contemporary agricultural landscape—a rich patchwork that blankets our environment—with the roots of agriculture itself. It intertwines our global evolutionary history with present-day life, inviting us to reflect on how deeply connected we are to our past and to one another.