I’m currently in beautiful Utah, surrounded by majestic red rocks. Zion National Park is near by, with its spectacular colors. Whether hiking to find rocks, or pulling over to gather a handful of soil from a parking lot, the rock hound in me feels like a kid in a candy store. From a deep russet to a pale blush, this area offers a vast array of colors within the red range.

I’m looking forward to returning to the studio to grind these treasures into natural earth pigments that I can turn into lovely art supplies, or spontaneously fold into my paint and plaster. It’s a slow, but rewarding, process grinding them, with a mortar and pestle creating a fine silt. From there, I will mix them with various binders, to create oil paint, watercolor, and soft pastels.

I love the idea that my artwork is infused with the energy/beauty of nature. Including the elements, in my work, I hope it acts as an homage to earths goodness. I feel a powerful connection to nature’s energy, as I create with these materials, and I believe this connection adds a layer of gratitude to my finished work and also to the environment where my artwork is ultimately displayed. Good vibes abound, as I paint, and I hope that you can feel that as you look at my artwork.