Editions: 1 of 1
Reserve: 1.5 ETH
Platform: Foundation
It was a sunny summer afternoon when I decided to walk down the road from my house in Central Florida. I was unaware that I would see anything of interest, but I took my digital camera along just in case. At the time, it was a basic point-and-shoot camera, with not too many futures (or high-resolution), but it had a "macro mode." This gave me a compass for creativity to start exploring and push my boundaries of observation.
Once I had arrived at the meadow up the road from my house, I looked around for different flowers, fungi, and insects. I came across a small daisy flower with strange red stems... I HAD to investigate. I put down my bicycle, got on my knees, and peered into the sea of flowers with these odd, red stems.
Then I realized it... the STEMS weren't red at all... what was on them was. An entire population of aphids coated every millimeter of plant stem on this little daisy flower in that meadow. Upon closer inspection, I realized a much larger red dot weaving through this aphid atmosphere. I took out my camera, set it to "macro mode," and looked at the backscreen for signs of other life. When the details came into focus, I saw a magnificent sight...
A giant, spotted ladybird beetle wandered from stem to stem, with a Goliath-like presence and a swift hunting speed. One by one, it would grab the aphids it passed and devour them whole while still living. I was absolutely astonished.
The best part? I had just captured my very first macro image... the image that would start my lifelong path as an artist.
At the end of grade school, I approached the cusp of determining my next direction in life. As someone fascinated by both fact and fiction, I was presented with a rather tricky decision to make.
I felt like my life was at a significant crossroads and that whichever decision I chose next would ultimately shape who I am today.
Having Central Florida as my backyard meant at any given moment, I could be off on a backyard adventure surrounded by beauty such as this scene before you.
This access helped me realize the potential for exploration and documenting the Earth up close, as seen through my macro lens.
The closer I looked at these worlds, the more enthralled I became to lean in more. I had been exploring these seemingly-distant lands for some time before I experienced "#001 – The Beginning."
The process of observation and discovery in my backyard as a kid allowed me to understand the layers of life that make up every ecosystem around us – from a standpoint of childhood curiosity.
An ocean of opportunity awaited me, and when I realized I could combine the two practices I love the most, I knew what I must do next...
The process of observation and Discovery in my backyard as a kid allow me to understand the layers of life that make up every ecosystem around us from a curiosity standpoint.
When I started seeing the phenomena I had learned about in my different studies oh, and realized I could capture them with my camera, my world was transformed.
Suddenly the seemingly disconnected realms of art and science were uniquely bonded for me. I could see how the inter-workings of my backyard we're a dance between data points and dreamscapes.
I knew my love for these places would only grow deeper, and that in order for me to best tell their story I must know their story first. As a result, I went on to earn my Environmental Studies degree.
Although the original image was only 8 megapixels, I have upscaled this art using the latest Adobe Photoshop and best practices.
Every season brings new ideas, and as the collector of this work, you will receive exclusive access to upcoming projects I'm formulating that nobody else knows the existence of yet.
Following your signature on a non-disclosure agreement, I will loop you in on the latest project that I'm developing.
With your one-of-a-kind access to me, you will watch as I build, incubate, and realize future projects that are yet to be announced for your eyes only.
I wish I could tell you more...
but these are the rules.
Earth up close has always been about community and connecting that community with the fascinating macro world.
As a Cicanese Collector, you will receive unique benefits in my private community space, which I will build from the ground up with you by my side.
Watch as our community grows and helps activate lifelong project ideas I have wanted to bring to fruition.
Experience the Joy of this image as a tangible piece of art for your home.
Observe this artwork in a moving form on-loop, celebrating the grandeur and magnificence of this scene.
Share the joy of this tangible work with just ONE other collector... Me the artist.
As a 1 of 1, the only additional Infinite Object will be the one I receive from you as an artist proof.
Matthew Cicanese is a National Geographic Explorer and Wildlife Conservation Photographer who lives and works in the greater Tampa Bay area. A Florida native, his photographs of wildlife celebrate places from around the world.
Recently, he focused on expanding his work to examine the elements and principles of the designs seen and experienced in nature. Each piece is imbued with a sense of childlike fascination that invites you to dive deeper into the textural details and playfully explore with the eye. Engrained in all of Matthew's artwork, you will find the themes of wonder and curiosity.
His career in photography began in his formative years at the age of 14 (2005). In 2015, his professional career began following Duke University's MFA in Experimental and Documentary Arts program. Since this time, he continues to tell stories that illuminate Earth's details and inspire curiosity. Matthew's experiences and creative direction culminated with his first solo exhibition at Tampa International Airport, titled ‘Earth Up Close’.
Matthew's artwork has been shown and exhibitions worldwide, including the Natures Best Photography exhibition and London's Royal Geographical Society as a finalist for the 2015 Environmental Photographer of the Year Awards. In addition to private venues and events.
His photography has been featured by Canon, National Geographic, World Wildlife Fund, Smithsonian Magazine, and BBC Earth Online (among others). In 2021 Matthew was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 for Art and Style.
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