These pieces are part of my 2007 drawing begun and finished in outdoors or plein air and added to in my studio, using memory as a tool. This series was mainly created on-site at the Washington Arboretum. I began this series after suffering an injury that made it difficult for me to walk for more then a few minutes or sit for long stretches of time. My injury prevented me from connecting to my inspiration through my daily nature walks. The beauty of our world was not only the inspiration for my work, but also a salve for my soul and without it, I felt deviated. Then I discovered that the Arboretum’s location and design would give me easy access to the nature that inspired my work.

I began my series with “The Cherry Blossom Tree”, exploring the idea of the borders within a piece, contemplating boundaries, and wondering, “where does this piece end?” Moving beyond this, I began to ponder when a piece is finished, and how much information is required to convey the spirit of the place. I slowly lightened my marks, encapsulating the beauty before me without recreating each and every detail. In my studio I added touches with my brush, activating my marks and making them more fluid. Then I returned to Arboretum to add more color and breathe life into the work. These ideas evolved within my work, piece by piece, as I began my physical and emotional healing process.

This series documents, not only, the beauty of the world around us but also the importance of the Arboretum and the nature-filled parks throughout the city of Seattle. These areas are not the chain-link fenced-in dirt and anemic patches of grass that pass for parks in many cities. They are oasises waiting to bring joy and balance to our lives. It is my hope that my work helps viewers remember and reconnect with the beauty and spirit of our everyday world, inspiring us to ensure the health of our environment, now and in the future.