This painting reflects Alec DeMarco’s evolving relationship with the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a landscape that has shaped both his personal history and artistic identity. Having grown up surrounded by the region’s dense woodlands, DeMarco once viewed the forest as a place to escape, drawn instead to the energy and possibilities of larger cities. Years later, his return to the town where he was raised has brought a profound shift in perspective. What once felt limiting has become a source of belonging, inspiration, and connection.
At the center of the composition is the salmonberry, a seasonal fruit native to the Pacific Northwest whose appearance signals a particular moment in the region’s natural cycle. While the plant’s leaves are not depicted with botanical accuracy, DeMarco deliberately reimagines their forms, allowing the vibrant orange of the berries to contrast with the surrounding greens. This departure from realism reflects his preference for visual intuition over literal representation, using color and shape to capture the essence of the natural world rather than reproduce it precisely.
Beyond its botanical references, the painting becomes a reflection on memory, homecoming, and the changing meaning of place. The forests that once inspired a desire to leave now represent the environment in which DeMarco feels most at home. Through this renewed appreciation of his surroundings, the artist transforms a familiar element of the landscape into a personal expression of identity, nostalgia, and rediscovery.