Patterns: Art of the Natural World (Damiani) documents photographer
Jon McCormack's meditation on the
geometric patterns that define our planet's most breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems. Through McCormack's
documentation, the Earth reveals itself as both architect and storyteller. Across continents and scales, from
microscopic mineral blooms to vast aerial geometries, the images trace a living grammar of pattern, rhythm, and
resonance that connects the intimate to the immense.
The book's release aligns with Earth Day on April 22, 2026, with all proceeds benefiting
Vital Impacts, a
women-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by photographer
Ami Vitale.
The monograph captures extraordinary compositions across diverse environments, including the volcanic coasts of
Iceland, the wilds of Kenya, the icy fjords of Antarctica, and the rainforests of British Columbia. Subjects range from
the silent trails of hippos in Botswana to the intricate symmetry of ice in cold underwater worlds, revealing nature's
inherent geometry through both expansive tableaux and intimate studies under a microscope.
The oscillating scale of the subjects establishes visual dialogues throughout. Tree rings magnified under microscopy
parallel aerial views of elephant migration trails; the structural logic that governs crystalline mineral formations mirrors
the plumage of ancient avian species; fractals in river deltas reflect coral structures; and wave dynamics in tidepools
imitate wind through grasslands. Each image invites viewers to encounter the natural world not as scenery but as a
profound system of relationships.
McCormack has spent decades working with conservation organizations, Indigenous communities, and field
researchers. The collection draws from this experience, documenting natural systems across six continents.
The book features an introduction and essays by National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale, National
Geographic Explorer in Residence Wade Davis, author David George Haskell, Rainforest Alliance founder Daniel
Katz, and ocean conservationist Sylvia Earle. These contributions examine the interconnectedness of natural
systems and the relationship between pattern, form, and ecological function.
Supporting Conservation Through Art
All proceeds from book sales will benefit Vital Impacts, a women-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by photographer
Ami Vitale. The organization harnesses the power of visual storytelling and art to support conservationists, protect
endangered habitats, and raise awareness about critical environmental issues. Vital Impacts funds grassroots
organizations, provides mentorship and grants to emerging storytellers, and sells fine art prints, with proceeds
directly supporting conservationists and photographers globally in their efforts to protect wildlife and communities.
About the Photographer
Jon McCormack is an Australian photographer and conservationist whose work has been featured by prestigious
publications and organizations worldwide, including TIME, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, UNESCO,
The Guardian, CNN, and The Telegraph. Alongside his photographic practice, McCormack leads camera software
engineering for iPhone at Apple—a convergence reflected in this monograph, where some of the images are
captured using iPhone.
