Everything about Tucson, Arizona is upside down and topsy turvy. I've traded in my parka and mittens for a sun hat and hiking shoes. The frozen shore of Lake Michigan is far behind. Now I start my days hiking desert trails or biking along the Rillito, a dry river bed that cuts through the city.
I've always been most productive after spending time outdoors, so this new winter routine feels good.
Setting up a new studio space took longer than I anticipated, but now that I am organized the work is flowing. My curvy, gestural marks have been strangely ironed out into what feel like the striations of the mountains that surround Tucson. Every day I wake up excited to get outdoors and then to get back and paint. New colors and lines are emerging.