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Description
"Into The Great Unknown" represents the ambition of early settlers that passed through Nebraska during the 1840’s. Economic hardships encountered during the Jackson/Van Buren era sent families in search of a land without factories and overcrowded streets. A roughly marked route designed by earlier explorers paved the way for a ‘great migration.’ This immigration took place before Lincoln’s Homestead Act (1862), which offered free land and prosperity. It was before the Transcontinental Railroad was built (1861), and even before the Pony Express (1860) – all of which crossed through a similar route. It was simply a venture that was driven by desire, and for the Mormons; escape from persecution. However, despite their courage and determination, this dream resulted in the illness and death of many.

Nebraska Territory was only the beginning of the exhausting journey westward, however the vast flatland was so unfamiliar that it led many to insanity. Travelers yearned for any resemblance of home as they covered an average of eighteen miles per day. For this reason, the towering rock formation, coined as ‘chimney rock,’ became a valuable landmark that encouraged the weary wagon trains.

In a Nebraska inspired canvas Chimney Rock is depicted in the distance to resemble hope. In the foreground stands a genus taraxacum, or dandelion. This particular plant was chosen partially due to the fact that it is commonly found in Nebraska, but also because of its fantastic ability to multiply. Seeds rapidly spread throughout the land, much like the human race. However, this particular stem has just let go of its last seed to illustrate the depleting population of Nebraska.

The third, and final aspect of this piece is the ant that parades in an upward journey. This insect, known for its diligent work ethic and complex social colony illustrates the American settlers of the 1840’s. Not only did individuals fight through barriers, but they also learned to work together to stay alive. As the ants approach Chimney Rock and climb the genus taraxacum, they are carried away with a renewed spirit.

Description
"Into The Great Unknown" represents the ambition of early settlers that passed through Nebraska during the 1840’s. Economic hardships encountered during the Jackson/Van Buren era sent families in search of a land without factories and overcrowded streets. A roughly marked route designed by earlier explorers paved the way for a ‘great migration.’ This immigration took place before Lincoln’s Homestead Act (1862), which offered free land and prosperity. It was before the Transcontinental Railroad was built (1861), and even before the Pony Express (1860) – all of which crossed through a similar route. It was simply a venture that was driven by desire, and for the Mormons; escape from persecution. However, despite their courage and determination, this dream resulted in the illness and death of many.

Nebraska Territory was only the beginning of the exhausting journey westward, however the vast flatland was so unfamiliar that it led many to insanity. Travelers yearned for any resemblance of home as they covered an average of eighteen miles per day. For this reason, the towering rock formation, coined as ‘chimney rock,’ became a valuable landmark that encouraged the weary wagon trains.

In a Nebraska inspired canvas Chimney Rock is depicted in the distance to resemble hope. In the foreground stands a genus taraxacum, or dandelion. This particular plant was chosen partially due to the fact that it is commonly found in Nebraska, but also because of its fantastic ability to multiply. Seeds rapidly spread throughout the land, much like the human race. However, this particular stem has just let go of its last seed to illustrate the depleting population of Nebraska.

The third, and final aspect of this piece is the ant that parades in an upward journey. This insect, known for its diligent work ethic and complex social colony illustrates the American settlers of the 1840’s. Not only did individuals fight through barriers, but they also learned to work together to stay alive. As the ants approach Chimney Rock and climb the genus taraxacum, they are carried away with a renewed spirit.