Earth
The circular form of this earthenware clay sculpture is to remind us of earth’s cyclic nature – how it will renew itself, repeat itself, and reinvent itself through time. This stylized depiction of earth represents its essence, what would be true about earth anywhere in the wilderness -- the ruggedness of the terrain, the high and low layers of rock and dirt, and some of the life forms that cling to the earth for survival.
Sky
The circular form of this earthenware clay sculpture is to remind us of sky’s cyclic nature – how it will renew itself, repeat itself, and reinvent itself over time. This stylized depiction of sky represents its essence, what would be true about sky anywhere in the wilderness – the elevated way in which we see the dome above our heads, layer upon layer of clouds, with the sun eventually dominating the heavens.
Wind
The circular form of this earthenware clay sculpture is to remind us of wind’s cyclic nature – how it will renew itself, repeat itself, and reinvent itself over time. This stylized depiction of wind represents its essence, what would be true about wind anywhere in the wilderness -- the unseen force that moves through the wilderness, temporarily disturbing the order of things, transporting particles and life itself from one place to another, and then moving on to touch other parts of the landscape.
Water
The circular form of this earthenware clay sculpture is to remind us of water’s cyclic nature – how it will renew itself, repeat itself, and reinvent itself through time. This stylized depiction of water represents its essence, what would be true about water anywhere in the wilderness -- the individual streams that braid themselves across the land, eventually emptying into a river or lake, creating individual currents, and supporting life forms beneath the combined waters’ surface.
Elder I
I am not of Native American descent, so it is important that I say I am only reflecting my own experience and reaction to the strong faces of the few tribal elders I have seen. All faces tell stories. The faces of some elders tell of patience, resolve, and pride. I hope my respect for these individuals shows in these faces.
Elder II
I am not of Native American descent, so it is important that I say I am only reflecting my own experience and reaction to the strong faces of the few tribal elders I have seen. All faces tell stories. The faces of some elders tell of patience, resolve, and pride. I hope my respect for these individuals shows in these faces.
Stumped I
Montana forests are full of stumps, some are the result of natural aging of trees, some the result of animal xxx, and some the result of man’s activities. In the rainy season, these stumps are havens for lichens, moss, and mold; these saprophytes give a tree stump an entirely different and strangely beautiful appearance.
Stumped II
Montana forests are full of stumps, some are the result of natural aging of trees, some the result of animal xxx, and some the result of man’s activities. In the rainy season, these stumps are havens for lichens, moss, and mold; these saprophytes give a tree stump an entirely different and strangely beautiful appearance.
Amaryllis Bulb
A friend gave me an amaryllis in bloom. After the boom faded, the plant looked leggy and weak, contrary to the strong-stemmed bloom. The plant’s bulb was slanted, so I replanted it. During the process, I was struck by simple beauty of the bulb -- its shape, its peeling layers, and its strong mass.
Standing Tall
On an island in the lower Clark Fork River, many Cottonwood trees crowd the land. To the left of a stand of these magnificent trees is the skeleton of a once formidable Cottonwood, long past life, burnished silver in the sun, but still standing tall among its offspring.