Images of what's happening below the surface of the water. From plant growth and small microbiome systems to turbulent rushing waters refining and carving new paths through the earth.

In the quiet season of 2020 I began observing more of natures natural rhythms. I found birds and their interactions amongst themselves fascinating. I observed them flirt, get jealous and even angry. Their little personalities intrigued me. I began to paint them purely for the delight of it. I try to use all my own photographs as references whenever possible. This gives me more freedom and the experience to bring to the voice of each painting.

Images emerge after long walks along the Sugar River. One begins to observe natures natural rhythms and cycles. I would go out hiking along her banks daily during my healing journey. She and all the creatures consistently revealed hope, laughter and peace to me. It was my place of solace. For days I would watch and observe, noticing the shifts of light and times various woodland creatures would come out to play and feast. Based on these observations I would head back to the studio and begin to draw creating the basic layout of the image. Through careful selection, from a plethora of papers, intaglio prints and artistic experiments I find the perfect combination of value, texture and color. The image is then traced, cut out and the work begins to come alive, something new and unexpected.

Captured in at Governor Dodge State Park, I was in the right place at the right time. It's through obedience and play that these images were captured. It's a delight to be reminded, in the quiet moments, of the secrets promised centuries ago.