My Collection
Artist Statement
The natural world is an incredible place. Sitting quietly and letting nature flow over, connects us to our core. Because it is our deepest and longest human connection, peace is able to seep into the soul. The ecosystem is an all encompassing circle, one that we belong to. This belonging can be felt watching the birds fly, harvesting food, sitting amongst grass and flowers, or hearing the river roll by. Once belonging is deeply felt, love of nature takes hold. We all came from nature, and will all return one day. Protecting our precious environment is truly protectinging what makes us human.
Farm Land
Conventional farming harms the land; thousands of acres are now unusable. However, there are many solutions, including: planting diversely (creating better soil balance), planting cover crops (to reduce erosion), using the biosphere to help, (bird boxes reduce insect and rodent pests). Farming is an intimately beautiful process that can both nourish communities and the environment.
Feather River Ideal
There is a special place; the headwaters of the feather river. The fir trees grow tall, the mountain willows are full, and the waterfall flows. Insects buzz and flowers nod with the breeze. The forest floor boasts a thick carpet of green, and sheer rocks that water falls over, shine in the sun. Good spirits live here.
Hummingbird
The hummingbird is known for its bright colors, fast movement, and diet of flower nectar. They are also incredibly intense birds who engage in aerial battle, and travel across seas. Their hearts beat incredibly fast when awake, and incredibly slow when asleep or cold. Like many things in this world, the hummingbird is a complicated creature that is capable of the impossible. A testament to expectation.
Swallows in the Sky
In the cool shade of a barn, one can watch the swallows fly in and out of the rafters. They collect mudd to build nests, and insects to feed their babies. You can see their delicate wings and long tails that allow them to turn quickly. They fly side by side, in gorgeous unity. Small yet significant efforts in such a big sky.
A Place I Call Home
An ecosystem is described as a circle. The fish that die, nourish the soil where trees grow. The forest nourishes the river by creating habitat for insects and reduces erosion. Dead branches fall into the river, creating pools for fish to travel and spawn. Presence of a mountain lion will make a deer graze for less time on a patch of grass; preventing overgrazing and preserving the soil and grass for generations of deer to come. These relationships are found in every living being… including us.
SalmonBerry
The SalmonBerry blossom graces the American Northwest in early spring. When blossoms turn to berries, they have a mild tart flavor with a slight sweet finish. The berries can be made into a medicinal tea. The barks and leaves can also be used to dress and treat burns and wounds. People living in the Americas have had a long and intimate relationship with this plant.
Tiger Swallowtail
The Western Tiger Swallowtail is a large distinctive butterfly. They can be found along streams, meadows, and wooded areas. During their 6-14 day life span, they feed on flower nectar, pollinating them in the process. These insects are one of the many species essential to the ecosystem.
