The Invisible Essential is a reminder to slow down and really notice what surrounds us. not just the obvious, but the things we usually ignore. This series began with the Great Laurel, a plant so common in Appalachian forests that most people walk right past it. But when I stopped to look closer, I saw its resilience, its quiet strength, and the crucial role it plays in the ecosystem.
From there, the project grew into something bigger. It’s not just about the Great Laurel. It’s about everything we overlook, the details we take for granted, the unnoticed elements that silently hold the world together.
Through photography, I try to shift the gaze. To show that what seems small or insignificant is often essential. There’s beauty and power in paying attention.
The great laurel is a resilient evergreen plant native to the Appalachian Mountains. Thriving in cool, shaded forests, it plays a very important role in stabilizing soil, providing shelter for wildlife, and adding bursts of color to the landscapes. Its thick foliage creates dense understory habitats, while its summer blooms attract pollinators, contributing to the ecosystem’s inherent balance.
Thriving where others struggle, standing tall through the seasons.
