©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

Leslie Gleim is a fine art photographer who has lived in Hawai’i since 2007. She ventured on her first helicopter flight over Hawai’i Island in 2017 to photograph lava flows. Seeing new growth amidst the destruction sparked a major shift in her work, leading her to explore themes of regeneration, transformation, and the powerful cycles of creation and destruction that define the Hawaiʻi volcanic landscapes. Her focus continues to deepen as she creates visual narratives that examine the complex interplay between natural forces, climate, and human impact on the land.

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

“The Earth Cries Fiercely” presents Earth as a living entity reacting to climate change like an allergic response. As the body defends itself against harmful agents, our planet responds to pollution, deforestation, and exploitation with eruptions, wildfires, and floods. These phenomena are Earth’s adaptive mechanisms—scientifically understood as responses to environmental stress, such as volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and coastal erosion. Ecosystems are pushed beyond their capacity to regenerate. Each of my photographs captures Earth’s fierce response, revealing both distress and resilience.

These images capture the Earth’s stages of grief and healing. They reveal her active response to environmental stress, turning natural disasters into clear messages woven through land and sea. Volcanic eruptions, scorched earth, and collapsing structures become symbols of Earth’s adaptive yet strained defenses. Through this lens of engaged and active empathy, the series asks viewers to see these scenes not solely as devastation but as urgent signals demanding our attention.

“The Earth Cries Fiercely” calls us to acknowledge our influence and impact on Earth’s resilience. She urges us to heed these fierce cries—before we exceed the planet’s ability to adapt and thrive.

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

Leslie Gleim is a Honolulu-based fine art photographer whose work bridges the genres of documentary and fine art photography. Drawing from wonder and research, Leslie creates evocative visual narratives that examine the complex interplay between natural forces, climate, and human impact on the ʻāina (land). Through aerial perspectives and intimate botanical studies, Leslie highlights environmental concerns to inspire empathy and action. Her photography invites reflection on humanity’s role in environmental stewardship and the legacy we leave for future generations. Leslieʻs work has been exhibited and published locally, nationally, and internationally.

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely

©Leslie Gleim, from The Earth Cries Fiercely