In his striking series titled “Cloud”, Boston-based illustrator Eric Hosford beautifully explores the intricate dance between humanity and the overpowering forces of nature. Hosford’s profound sensitivity to environmental elements manifests in depictions where clouds, water, and smoke gracefully swirl across the canvas. The fluidity of these natural forces is rendered in a way that suggests both their transient beauty and their formidable power. Through these elements, Hosford masterfully captures how human endeavors, aspirations, and struggles are often overshadowed by the overwhelming majesty and unpredictability of the natural world, rendering a thought-provoking narrative on our fragile existence within it.
Hosford’s illustrations go beyond mere aesthetics; they delve into the philosophical, addressing our eternal quest for control over nature. Yet, in his art, people often appear diminutive and vulnerable, emphasizing that nature’s grandeur far surpasses our limited grasp. His work serves as a visual contemplation of humanity’s place within the grand scheme of things, urging a reflection on harmony rather than dominance. The series “Cloud” thus becomes an ethereal yet potent reminder of the humility required to coexist with the earth’s mighty forces, urging us to pause, appreciate, and respect the intricate dance of elements that shape our world.
My work deals with the immense power of nature and humanities relationship to it. In these pieces, I use the fluid motion of clouds, water, and smoke to depict the world around us. Often including a human element, our efforts, struggles, and attempts for control are dwarfed and overcome by our environment.
Eric Hosford