Peng Wang

Pine Tree Root in the Sea

Originally from Sichuan Province, China, I hold a BS and MS in Material Engineering and am currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering at FSU. Drawn to the state’s well-preserved natural environment, I began taking photographs of its stunning landscapes and wild animals. After exploring numerous parks around Tallahassee, I became drawn to images that sparked my imagination and suggested hidden stories. I began to focus on the interplay between nature and humanity, striving to capture their relationship in my photographs.

In my photography, I enjoy utilizing two specific techniques: high-speed shutter and long exposure. High-speed shutter allows me to capture fleeting moments, like a child running or a flock of egrets in flight. Long exposure, on the other hand, captures the passage of time in a single image. In “Pine tree root in the sea,” the trails of moving clouds demonstrate the flight of time in a single frame.

To me, a photograph is more than just a pretty picture. It’s a vehicle for storytelling, a means of conveying a message beyond the surface-level beauty of the image. Through my work, I strive to provoke thought in my audience, encouraging them to delve deeper and consider the underlying meaning behind the captured moment.

Artwork Description

This photograph captures the stark reality of rising sea levels at Mashes Sand Beach in Panacea, Florida. Dead pine trees now line the once-dry shoreline as saltwater encroaches upon the coastal habitat. Over the past century, sea levels in the Pensacola Bay area have risen over ten inches due to increased atmospheric carbon levels. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and protect our planet’s natural resources.