Massive boulders reign over the landscape, casting long shadows across the sandy earth. Ancient behemoths weathered by time, transformed by the elements into organic sculptures. Amidst the monumental rocks, spiky yucca plants and Joshua trees stretch toward the endless sky.
This collage painting pays homage to the majestic beauty of Jumbo Rocks in California's Joshua Tree National Park. Drawing from a 2018 pilgrimage in December's perfect weather, the work evokes the park's magic - especially in its geologically stunning southern Mohave section.
Layers of painted papers reflect the interplay of light and shadow across the rocks. Buried maps hint at the landscape's impermanence over eons. The hushed atmosphere seems to capture a cathedral-like sanctity, underscored by scolding birds defending their domain.
The overwhelming sense of awe and gratitude for nature's grand designs inspired this piece during a year of quiet isolation. It is an invitation to revel in the wonder of the natural world, from sweeping vistas to minute details that astonish in their artistry. Let the breathtaking beauty of this original collage painting transport you.