In the Age of the Lanternfly
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive leafhopper insect from China, Vietnam and India, that came to Berks County, PA in 2014. They kill Alianthus trees mainly, but will also kill maple, pine, stone fruit trees, grapes and hops. There is no great solution to fight them and they have no natural predators. As of the fall of 2018, they have spread to 13 counties in PA as well as neighboring states. It took a few years for them to spread across the county to my property, but they finally made it this summer. A general feeling of fear, anger and dread has clouded over the community regarding these pests. I’ve seen hundred-year-old trees covered with thousands of lanternflies that are so close together, you can’t even see the bark. This is a literal invasion.
What if the plants fought for the trees?
Through the medium of photo montage, I’ve formed a visual narrative where the plants in my yard fight back. They work together to protect and save each other from the Spotted Lanternfly, each living out a unique experience. All of the plants in this series are scanned from actual plants on my property, and have been collected at various stages in the growing season, from early spring to late fall and winter. The fight continues.
What if the plants fought for the trees?
Through the medium of photo montage, I’ve formed a visual narrative where the plants in my yard fight back. They work together to protect and save each other from the Spotted Lanternfly, each living out a unique experience. All of the plants in this series are scanned from actual plants on my property, and have been collected at various stages in the growing season, from early spring to late fall and winter. The fight continues.