Hiking through the mountains, I see beauty and destruction coexisting in an unstable state. There are trees that are burnt to a black crisp from previous wildfires, and flowers and trees growing out of the debris. The air becomes thinner and my body starts to fight through the limited oxygen while I continue pushing myself to the top. I notice an old avalanche in the distance and think about the power and unpredictability of the mountains. I notice how climate change has affected this area as well, making it even more precious and dangerous. I document these interactions through photography and bring the experience back to my studio. Through painting I further explore this interaction; I focus on destruction, human challenges, beauty and climate change, creating a painting that speaks louder than I can about the problems our planet faces, as well as the beauty we are destroying. With layers of paint and markers, I create a piece that brings me back outside, making me feel as if I am still being held in the mysteries of the mountains. ​​