From the Artist’s Statement:

Wetlands are considered the in-between world of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats and are among the largest, most diverse ecosystems in the world. They act as a kidney to the earth by filtering out excessive nutrients, debris, and toxins from nearby run off. Wetlands maintain the balance of hydrology to the land while providing homes to a multitude of plant and animal species.

Wetlands are so significant to the health of the landscape yet were once perceived as a wasteland. They were drained and filled in for building and agricultural purposes. Invasive species are also a major threat to different wetland areas and have the potential to completely overtake them. Some wetlands have completely disappeared due to human impact and different types of invasive species. Disappearing wetlands means an unbalanced environment and a dramatic loss of plant and wildlife.

As I explore and study these different wetland areas I make small and large scale oil paintings, bringing materials from the landscape into each painting. I have incorporated into my paintings the dried grasses and leaves from the plants and trees that live there, along with the moss and lichen. The colors and tones of the work hold the mood of the landscape captured in each season and help tell the story of the transitions of an ever-changing landscape. I have also been making monoprints and intaglio etchings of these areas as well as charcoal and pastel drawings to create a mixed media exhibition of my thoughts and experiences encountered in the wetlands. I want to help bring an awareness and understanding to the importance of protecting our wetlands and the delicate balance of these sacred lands.

Supported in part by a grant from the Montana Arts Council, and agency of the state government, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Special funding and generous support provided by Montana Federal Credit Union and D.A. Davidson.