Sunkissed Serenity. A California Summer I

In 2023, I was deeply involved in a series of projects that paid homage to the diverse ecosystems of the Bay Area. This region boasts a rich tapestry of nature, from the majestic Redwoods on California's foggy coast to the wetlands of the South Bay, where restoration efforts brought new life to the land.

As I delved into these projects, I was moved by the resilience of our local ecosystems, as well as the sobering consequences of past land exploitation and colonization that still impact these habitats. The journey helped me think about healing and rejuvenating our natural surroundings, and I felt so proud to be a Californian

My research immersed me in the intricate world of nature-based symbolism, where every plant, tree, and even microorganism told a unique story. I began collecting a library of these symbols, and they were cut from my textures. These symbols would later become the building blocks of the collages that I crafted, a visual testament to the extraordinary beauty of this magnificent region.

For these particular collages, I created a new texture library infused with a fresh palette of colors. Each year I have expanded this library, using linoleum block prints of my own drawings to generate an array of textures. In these collages, you'll encounter these new color combinations, mirroring the breathtaking landscapes that emerged from my research and imagination.