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imagery. But, I think it also presents challenges for artists trying to cut across the fray when their paintings become tiled images amongst infinite thumbnails presented in a format intended for passive scrolling. This format does not lend itself to in-depth engagement and thoughtful communication. The pressure to constantly produce content on online platforms in order to prove activity and increase one’s audience drives productivity in some ways but it also discourages prolonged research and development into a single piece because there is an expectation to rapidly create something new before the life of one’s previous post extinguishes. I also often reflect on what the impact is on the artistic process and intent of the painter when they know from the outset that their painting is destined to become a post on an online social media platform. Whether the impact is detrimental or not, I don’t quite know but it is certainly an influencing factor for artists that utilize these platforms. All-in-all, I hope that online platforms drive broader audiences to view art in person, where they can take time to connect with the real thing. We have really appreciated the multifaceted nature of your artistic research and before leaving this stimulating conversation we would like to thank you for chatting with us and for sharing your thoughts, Alex. What projects are you currently working on, and what are some of the ideas that you hope to explore in the future? Alex Gilford: Thank you so much for highlighting my artistic practice and I really appreciate you providing me with the space to share my thoughts. Coming up, I will have a handful of paintings in an invitational group exhibition called Land to River. This will be at Studio 23 in Bay City, Michigan. It is curated by Valerie Allen and it is a partnership with Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. The, “ …exhibition features artists as communicators, explorers, and environmentalists…The artwork will span topics that spotlight the natural beauty of Michigan as well as present narratives that have messages of conservation and awareness” (Studio 23). It will be on view from March 25thMay 15th. I will also have a couple paintings in an exhibition called Our Changing Climate at Huron Valley Council for the Arts in Highland Charter Township, Michigan. The exhibition will highlight “…local artwork that speaks to people about the importance of protecting our planet and inspires people to act now” (Huron Valley Council for the Arts). It will be on view from April 9th-April 30th. Currently, I am focused on producing onehundred 11” x 14” plein air oil paintings that, for the most part, adhere to the alla prima format. At the moment, I’m about halfway there. I’m also striving for opportunities to partner with environmental organizations as an artist. I submitted an application to the Voices of the Wilderness Artist in Residence program with the U.S. Forest Service in Alaska. If I am accepted, that would take place this Summer 2021. Fingers crossed! Elaine Crowe Land scape CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW An interview by Josh Ryder, curator and Melissa C. Hilborn, curator [email protected]