Artist-in-Residence
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
In September 2023, I was accepted as the artist in residence with the newest National Monument in the United States - the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Monument was established to protect significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biological resources of scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains. The Organ Mountains are a steep, angular mountain range with rocky spires that jut majestically above the Chihuahuan Desert floor to an elevation of 9,000 feet.
During my residency, I spent time painting en-plein air, as a way to document and bear witness to this protected yet shifting landscape. The Organ Mountains and surrounding desert are at risk of irreversible changes due to climate change. Plants and animals are shifting their habits in response to the surging temperatures, dry conditions and lack of water. As an artist, I hope to share some views of this valuable resource - our shared public lands.
(Note: Some of these works are available for purchase and shipping to the United States, please email me for details.)
Joshua Tree National Park
In the fall of 2020 I embarked on a self-imposed two week residency at Joshua Tree National Park, CA.
This is the traditional land of the Serrano, Cahuilla, and Chemehuevi people, where the Joshua Tree plant is at risk of total decimation due to climate change.
I focused on capturing the vibrant colors of the desert while paying attention to the gravity of light and shadow in this shifting environment.
