The artworks in my Field Studies series are inspired by specific natural locations throughout the Western States. Noticing unique geological features, specific landscape colors, expansive skies and plants, I have pieced together colorful abstractions of places I have visited. Oranges, reds and burgundy colors span artworks inspired by places such as Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. Coral and pink colors form the shapes reminiscent of the dunes at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in Utah. Soothing blues depict the California coast. I add stitching to create texture and depth that juxtaposes the strong flat color and shapes in the artwork, as well as enhances the tactile nature of the piece.
Nature is the main element in the Field Studies series. I wanted to focus on those places that are undisturbed by humans, to remind the viewer of the beauty and importance of nature and encourage them to want to preserve our wonderful national parks, wildlife preserves and natural areas whose protections are currently in question.
The titles include a code that indicates the inspiration location of the piece (see sidebar).
(Click on image to enlarge.)
A = Arizona, B = Boise, BC = Brush Creek, BSD = Bruneau Sand Dunes, C = California, CG = Cathedral Gorge State Park, CP = Coral Pink Sand Dunes, FLBS = Flathead Lake Biological Station, GB = Great Basin National Park, I = Idaho, K = Ketchum, M = Montana N = Nevada, O = Oregon, P = Playa (artist residency), RC = Red Cliffs Trail, SD = San Diego, T = Tucson, U = Utah, W = Wyoming, Z = Zion