Idaho, 2008

Climbing Along the River by William Stafford.

 Willows never forget how it feels to be young. 

Do you remember where you came from?  Gravel remembers. 

Even the upper end of the river believes in the ocean. 

Exactly at midnight Yesterday sighs away.

What I believe is all animals have one soul. 

Over the land they love they crisscross forever.

In my minimal art pieces, I draw inspiration from Idaho's pristine water systems, including Silver Creek, Loving Creek, and the iconic Clearwater, Salmon, Coeur d'Alene, and Snake Rivers. These modern art creations blend digital manipulation with traditional techniques, reflecting the rich natural beauty of the Northwest.

My artistic process involves mounting digitally altered images between mirror and glass, creating a unique interplay of light and reflection. The glass surface becomes a canvas for layers of paint and handwritten text, where I explore Idaho's history, its rivers, people, and poetry. Through repeated application and sanding, the artwork's surface evolves, mirroring the layered nature of history itself.

This body of work is an examination of place and home, delving into how landscape shapes our perception and understanding of the world. I use mirrors and light as metaphors to illuminate both my personal history and the broader narratives of the region.

Part of my studies has led me to explore places marked by conflict across the American West. My drawings of the White Bird battlefield in Central Idaho, the site of the first battle in the 1877 Nez Perce War, accompany my personal history. These pieces interweave cavalry documents and Nez Perce legends, creating a textured narrative of this significant historical event.

In my technique, I carefully transfer text onto the drawing's surface, building up layers to achieve the desired visual weight. I treat the finished drawings as three-dimensional objects, coating them with wax to preserve their delicate surfaces.

Through this collection of minimal and modern art, I aim to offer a profound reflection on Northwest history, comparing varied perspectives and exploring how our fading past continues to shape our cultural identity. I invite viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between landscape, history, and human experience in the Idaho region.