BREMNER BENEDICT

Since the beginning of human existence, springs have been key to our survival. Yet today they are all but forgotten. Despite being very small they host some of the richest diversity of plant and animal life on the planet profoundly influencing their surroundings. Springs serve as a barometer of their aquifer’s quality and durability. 85% of springs have been lost since 1900 due to overuse and drought making them one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems.

As an artist passionate about the West’s water crisis as well as fascinated by those parts of our environment that are seldom seen, I began researching and photographing springs of all types and conditions in the 5 major deserts of the West. Wanting to highlight their fragility while emphasizing the science of springs’ precarious relationship to their location, I chose as my photographic interpretation colors akin to the muted color palette of the Western landscape painter, Maynard Dixon. 

Springs have survived human and natural onslaughts but now they are vulnerable.  If these biologically diverse, culturally important, and historically rich ecosystems are lost, our ability to live in arid lands will be impacted. Yet there is still hope. Where the aquifer hasn’t been too damaged we can restore some springs for both human and natural purposes. By spotlighting those few remaining before they are gone, I want this work to reflect their value while encouraging a call to action for their protection.