I had just finished reading a book

about bark beetles and their impact on forests.

On a flight from Ohio to Denver, I gazed out the window of the plane. I was struck to see similarities between the patterns left by bark beetles and those created by humans.

I thought about drought and the stress it places on forests. Bark beetles naturally seek out weakened trees, making way for new growth. But as warmer nights and drier conditions leave forests vulnerable, the beetles see an endless feast. Their voracious appetites can kill vast numbers of trees, leaving behind fuel for devastating wildfires.

At some point, they go too far. They destroy the forest that sustains them—and ultimately themselves.

I wondered:
Are humans doing the same?

Voracious Appetites - Eating the Host®

An novel photography exhibition that transforms the way we see forests, wildfires, and our role in a changing climate.

Through unexpected visual parallels, Voracious Appetites-Eating the Host challenges our perception, inviting viewers to recognize how everyday patterns of human behavior shape our world—and to imagine how we might shift those patterns before it's too late.

Combining photography, sculpture, and video, the exhibition is both visually compelling and deeply thought-provoking. It invites us to look closely, reflect deeply, and consider the choices that will shape our shared future.re.

Voracious Appetites can stand alone or be part of your curated exhibit on:

  • Climate,

  • Human consumption,

  • The importance of patterns,

  • Bark beetles,

  • Aligning toward a greater good.

“Provocative”

“Meaningful”

“Beautiful”

“Powerful”

“Important”

“Extraordinary”

Comments from Global Environmental Justice Conference

“Voracious Appetites” inspires viewers

I was reminded of the many different forms activism could take – we are not limited to politics, law or the courts – we can use other ways, like art and communication, to make an equivalent or even more effective impact. 

I walked away from her exhibit with a better understanding both of how my actions and the actions of other individuals have lasting impacts on the planet, and how visual and spatial mediums can engage an audience when mixed with written mediums.

I spent at least 30 minutes studying the images. I hope you don’t mind that I took photos.

We had a long conversation about your artwork at our table.  It sparked a great conversation!

The similarities between human and these beetle patterns was striking.  It really made me consider the destructive actions of humans and our impact on the natural world.  She didn’t present anything as hopeless, however, and really stressed action. She believes we have real control and impact.

I liked that Jennifer talked about making yourself feel empowered, because waiting around for big changes to happen doesn’t feel good.

I love it! I love it!  I love that you combined art and science. It’s approachable and you really make it accessible for the audience.

Professional response to “Voracious Appetites”

  • Voracious Appetites helps us to contextualize the deep impacts each of us make in our daily lives on the region in which we live and the planet which is our host.

    Dr. Scott Denning, Atmospheric Scientist

  • The hourglass is emptying. The sooner we recognized that the cleverness of our species can be both the problem or the solution, the better.

    David Leatherman, Forest Entomologist

  • This project tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time in an accessible fashion. The possibilities for learning and engagement across so many fields make for an exciting roster of programming utilizing local experts and community members.

    Lisa Hatchadoorian, Executive Director Internal Affairs, MoA | Fort Collins

  • Voracious Appetites offers a culturally relevant experience that harnesses the visual arts to‬ ‭ transform the viewer’s capacity for agency in the climate crisis.

    Jeanne Shoaff, Arts Professional

  • Nowhere before have I seen such an impactful approach to raising awareness of the extent and urgency‬ ‭ of recognizing society ’s consumption pattern than what Jennifer is compiling through the Voracious‬ ‭ Appetites initiative.

     Frenchy Morisette, PhD in Forestry

  • Jennifer’s project is timely, relevant, and will demonstrate that the arts‬ ‭ have a voice in society, speaking in ways that other methods do not.

    Joy Nyenhuis, Community Member

Museum, Art center, and Media inquiries:


Email: Jenny1032@gmail.com
Text: 970-402-6683

Fort Collins, CO 80524