Much of my work these days is focused around queer representation in nature. A timeless moment captured with tenderness. It’s a safe space, some from memories, others from dreams and wishes. I wish I’d seen these moments as a kid and known they could exist. This specific piece is a bit of a memory reimagined. When my now ex (who I was with for 18 years) and I first started dating, or whatever we would have called it in the late 90’s, we were both new to Los Angeles, and exploring new lives away from where we grew up. A lot of that for me was being brave enough to do things I would be terrified of growing up in Missouri. I remember the first time he and I went to Malibu Beach in 1997 we crossed a big mount of rocks and came to a clearing where there was no one in sight. At that moment I reached out and grabbed his hand. It doesn’t sound like much to most people but for me, it was one of the first times I’d ever displayed any type of affection in public that wasn’t at a pride event or gay bar. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. When I look at this painting I think how wonderful it must be to embrace and kiss on a beach as a queer person without fear. I don’t know if that even exists, fearless public embrace, but that’s the moment I want to give people. An ease, and a gentleness that most of us have never felt. For these moments to truly exist, nature has to exist. Stillness has to exist. None of which will be accessible if we don’t keep the lands and waters in which we love to experience clean and healthy.

Anthony Hurd