Pastel artist Richard Lundgren’s work captures scenes of nature that he sees disappearing as the environment changes. These scenes can now be seen at the Lufrano Intercultural Gallery in an exhibition titled Disappearing Landscapes.

Lundgren said the inspiration for the exhibition’s name started out with his pessimistic view of the environment in relation to Florida’s growing population.  He said when such a dramatic increase in population occurs, there is inevitable degradation to the environment.

Lundgren said the exhibition became a celebration of various environmental groups in Florida who had the foresight to save a small piece of the environment. He often goes canoeing in the Jacksonville area, where he gets inspiration for some of his work.

Lufrano gallery curator Kameele “Oupa” Seane personally related to this exhibition’s message.  Born in South Africa, Seane grew up near a site where the current government was excavating gold and diamonds.

“After the mines were gone the land was scarred”, Seane said.

Preserving our environment isn’t that hard, he said.

“We don’t have to do much but just to respect it and leave it as we found it.”

Disappearing Landscapes will be on display at the Lufrano Gallery until December 6.

Email Joseph Cook at reporter31@unfspinnaker.com