Wild & Precious

In his newly released book “Wild & Precious”, photographer Jesse Burke visually explores a five year time period of his daughter Clover’s youth. The book spans from her days as a curious and fearless child to her transformation into an intuitive and confident adolescent. Through their journeys across the country, Burke provided an education for his daughter that encouraged a thorough understanding and strong bond with nature. Every location provided new plant life and creatures to study. Burke explains, “I want my children to genuinely understand how magical the world we inhabit is and how we, as humans, are an integral part of the system. I want them to feel a deep connection to every aspect of their surroundings”. Clover’s painful encounters with the outdoors, including a black eye and bloody nose, remind the viewer of her mortality and the evident fragility that comes with being a child, but also reminds us that these confrontations are no reason to deter a child’s exploration of the outdoors. Burke’s work also serves as a touching visual lesson to parents about the importance of providing children with the opportunities to understand and fully immerse themselves in nature and to take part in their children’s outdoor adventures. “Wild & Precious” is published by Daylight Books in October 2015.

A solo exhibition of work from “Wild & Precious” will open at ClampArt (531 West 25th Street, New York, NY 10001) in New York on October 14 and remain on view through November 14. There will be an opening reception and book signing with the artist on Thursday, October 14 from 6-8pm.

All images © Jesse Burke

Text by Canbra Hodsdon