Throughout our lives, we are given opportunities great and small.
Whether it be physical possessions that are bestowed on us, or through
acts of labor or love, sacrifices have been made for our benefit by
those around us. Growing up among the distractions of a modern society,
it can sometimes be difficult to take notice of the gifts we receive
daily. To me, thinking about my personal possessions and how I attained
them is a very important part of my self-comprehension. My family and
friends make obvious contributions to my health and happiness, but
recently I've begun to acknowledge the fact that millions of other
beings have silently played a part in my life, and they never even had
the choice.

    As I contemplated this fact over the past few months, it seemed only
logical that I had to somehow show my appreciation not only for those
closest to me, but for all sentient beings. The dining table is the
traditional meeting ground for providing a bounty for your family, for
showing reverence to company, and for celebrating the changing seasons.
It is at this table that I hold the assembly of my seen and the unseen
benefactors of my life. The images may seem cheerless, but as the
animal loses its life, other lives are nourished. Whole civilizations
have been built up around these resources, and they will continue to
use them for generations to come. These portraits are my tribute to
those who have endured so much for my existence, either by choice or by
chance.

JamesRSouthard.com