This series came about through observation of travels through India, the natural cold weather climate of Chicago during winter, and research done on Native American architecture. Combining these differing interests, the work offers commanding forms masked under layers of meandering structures and pathways. Naturally responding to these interests, I let the influences connect with each other by following the interplay between the imagery and medium. In the end themes of ritual, passage, and earthly force took hold of the paintings. Materials that I had never combined, such as canvas and linen, watercolor and mud, pencil and oil paint, worked effortlessly together. The structures of the ancient design of Native American architecture guided my ability to combine the color palette and patterns found in India with the atmospheric quality of winter landcapes in Chicago .

This project was supported by a 2008 Community Arts Assistance Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.