The sun and the moon remind us that nothing is stagnant, all is in motion. Painted with winter snow, rust, and the ash of hand-gathered prairie plants that carry the energy of a hundred suns and moons. Their energy reminds us of the wonder of a world in motion. […]
Category: Fresh off the easel
Bones of a Winter Plant
Bones of wild sunflowers define the winter prairie and inspired this study at the time of Saint Bridget’s day, the traditional start of spring in the old world. In the depth of winter, we sense the land is turning a corner. On the Prairie, winter is necessary to scarify the seeds of wild plants, so […]
One with the Serpentine Depths
This painting points to the the mystery of deep water and serpentine eddies, symbols of creative life force, created with paint, stone texture, grain and rust. Serpents are one of the oldest and widespread mythological symbols, often representing rebirth and the shedding of old ways. […]
Moon of the Ice Lake
A winter moon born on the shore of Fossil Lake during one of the coldest months on record. I wanted to challenge the painting to see how it would adapt by setting it outside in -1 degree F with snow and ice. To me, in perfectly symbolizes the tenacity and strength of the prairie land […]
Moon Phases
A piece to honor the moon cycles at St Brigid’s Day – the half way point between the winter solstice and spring equinox – and the traditional start of a new agricultural year. For centuries, those in-tune to the land have cast their eyes to the changing moon to forecast auspicious days for sowing and […]
Smoky Hill Sandbar
Nature shows us how to navigate change in the shifting sandbars of a river. Sediment allows waters to shape it into new beings without resistance. This piece is my expression of the Smoky Hill an her sandbars, a slow river that meanders through some of the prettiest parts of the American High Plains. It has […]
Now, is the Season to Plant
One of my favorite sayings attributed to Martin Luther is even if I knew that tomorrow the world would end, I would still plant my apple tree. What a lovely affirmation in uncertain times, for it draws us toward the innate goodness of things. My rendition of a garden patch invites you to consider what […]
A Reminder All Shall Be Well
In the midst of life’s curious and sometimes harsh ways, I turn to English anchoress Julian of Norwich who said, “All shall be well. All shall be well. And all manner of things shall be well.” To me, the cross symbolizes faith but also a visual reminder of the path we walk, often finding ourselves […]
Moon of the Kindred Spirits
Symbolizing unifying ties to the natural world and friendship with the elements, it is created with stone, grain, rust, prairie plant ash and paint. It celebrates the time the natural world puts away winter’s mantle, and steps from solace and quiet into light. The plant and animal spirits are gathering in community for a new […]
Moon of the Wise Woman
I call this painting Moon of the Wise Woman because it honors the last full moon of winter, the end of the dark season of the year. I painted it in the days leading to the full moon of March 2020, a super moon full of promise and an invitation to put into action what […]