Photographer Jon McCormack has explored breathtaking places like the Arctic ice caves in Norway and the coast of British Columbia. However, it was a simple beach near his Pacific Grove, California home that sparked a major shift in his work.
In 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic stopped life as we knew it, McCormack took to walking along the beach each night with his camera. “I began to see how the landscape changed every day,” he recalled. “The tide, light, and wind created unique scenes that were only here for a moment.”
His routine opened his eyes to the beauty in small details. “I started noticing patterns everywhere,” he said. By the time the world reopened, McCormack had transformed as an artist. He shifted from capturing grand landscapes to focusing on intricate details in nature.
His new insights are collected in his book, Patterns: Art of the Natural World. The photographs range from colorful sand dunes to the delicate structure of a hibiscus flower, showcasing nature’s art in familiar yet striking ways.
Interestingly, McCormack estimates that about two-thirds of the photos were taken during the pandemic. The rest come from his archives, where he realized he had always been drawn to patterns, even if unintentionally.
Notably, the book is designed for everyone—it’s not just for art enthusiasts. “My goal is to show that nature is close to us,” he said. “The world is fascinating, and seeing it can inspire us to protect it.”
In an era where climate awareness is crucial, his message resonates more than ever. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 70% of Americans believe protecting the environment should be a top priority. McCormack’s work encourages us to reconnect with nature, reminding us that even simple walks can lead to profound discoveries.
“Nature isn’t far away,” McCormack insists. “It’s all around us. You just need to look.” His journey shows how even in uncertain times, art can emerge from the most unexpected places.
For more on his insights and photography, you can check his book, which was published by Damiani Books and is available now.
