Artist Feature | Clayton Woodley

Clayton is a 29 year old visual artist with a focus on large-scale photographs that explore the relationship between mother nature and the human form. For The Sonic Jungle he will be contributing a massive 9 x 6ft LED light box featuring an image he shot in the desert of Namibia as well as a 6 x 4ft print from the island of Socotra for the desert oasis lounge area.

"I'm excited to watch how people interact and are moved by the images. My goal is that they'll inspire wanderlust and an appreciation for the great beauty of mother earth" - Clayton Woodley.

To view more of his ethereal work, check out his portfolio: www.claytonwoodley.com !

1. What kind of sustainability initiatives do you support or try to abide by across your various artistic productions?

I eat vegan and try to support local community run organizations on my travels when I'm creating. I'm also offsetting my carbon footprint with initiatives like Carbonfund.org.

2. How does your artistic mission align with that of The Sonic Jungle?

My work aims to inspire and deepen our connection with the vast natural beauty of mother earth. When there is a human element in the photograph the viewer is able to envision oneself into a particular landscape inspiring wanderlust and hopefully a conscious way to preserve nature.

3. You've been around the world and back. Do you feel that your images impact the places and people you've engaged with?

On a ground level they increase an awareness of a particular location which could lead to increased tourism or direct funding of a local initiative. I did some on the ground relief work in Nepal a couple years ago after the earthquake and those images were used directly in fundraising for the NGO. I'd like to partner up with local NGOs that could benefit from the sale of my artworks that were taken in the respective location.

4. What most excites you about The Sonic Jungle?

I'm most excited about the dialogue and action that is blossoming out of this event. It's bridging a need for release and connectivity through music and art with the very urgent need of funding and supporting causes that benefit the earth and mankind. Sonic Jungles larger goal of creating a permanent artist in residency with urban farming and community building is exactly what Brooklyn needs.

5. How has your work influenced your perception of wellness, sustainability and the power of nature?

I've been fortunate enough to photograph in some very remote and stunning locations. The power of nature is a common theme I explore. The energy and force of mother nature is monolithic in relation to what we as humans are doing. She has and is exercising the ability to correct the detriment that humans as a whole have done... it's now our responsibility to be on the side of preservation and restoration.

InterviewAndrew GoldinFebruary 23, 2017sustainability, mother nature, mother earth, photography, The Sonic Jungle, arts and culture, cultural oasis, wanderlust, travel, desert, oasis, woman, female