Nature Science

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WORK IN THE WORLD CHANGES MINDS

MAC STONE

Changing minds is hard work. Helping people to see the beauty in things they once thought were ugly or unimportant is especially hard work. But it’s beautiful work to do -- and it’s important. Photographer Mac Stone has taken on this task beautifully.

Most people don’t think much of swamps. Most view them as ugly, unpleasant, and unnecessary. Most are unaware of swamplands’ vital role as watersheds. And most are unaware of their incredible beauty.

As a result, many swamps are being eliminated, as urban and agricultural areas expand. The Everglades, Florida’s massive swampland, is being dangerously compromised.

Stone, a Florida native, believes that people are primarily visual creatures. He has worked hard, for 5 years, taking photos of the Everglades that highlight their magnificence, aiming to help people to see their true beauty and importance.

We love the beauty that comes through Stone’s photo, as trees break the surface of the calm, mid-morning water and a boater meanders along.

And we feel the warm glow of a starry swampland night sky, as Stone’s photo paints a serene portrait of this rare and beautiful landscape.

While we should be moved because the Everglades is a fresh water source that affects not only Floridians, but the entire country which depends on Florida’s citrus and other crops -- and we should be moved because this vital ecosystem affects the health of our entire planet -- Stone’s work to highlight the Everglades’ special beauty might move us even more.

Stone has been recognized across the globe by magazines such as National Geographic Traveler and National Parks Magazine.

Recently awarded with the Marine Conservation Photography Grant, Stone will work on a three-week assignment in collaboration with National Geographic. Though unsure of specific assignment details, it is all about bridging the gap between science and aesthetics.

Stone posits that, once your toes touch the warm water of this swampy marsh, your life will be changed, and you will be moved to protect it. He hopes his photos have the same effect. And, if they do, Stone’s beautiful work will have been be exceptionally well done.

Check out his Stone’s incredible TED Talk where you can see even more of his stunning work and learn more about the beauty and importance of the Florida Everglades. And check out his book, Everglades: America's Wetland.

Read more about Beautiful Work, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including Working Dogs Are Beautiful Dogs Now!

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