I’ve always been fascinated by the view from high places – airplanes, tall trees, mountaintops. Eight years ago, when I met a pilot who is now my husband, I suddenly had unlimited access to the world of small-plane aviation. These paintings are the result of hundreds of photos and many hours of flight experience. At first, I was most inspired by my environmental concerns - as I watched (from the air) the rapid consumption of the land and water resources near my home in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. So much more is visible from the air and it seemed like I might bring heightened attention to what was happening through my paintings. I continue to hold this conviction, but it didn’t take long before I was completely enamored by the sheer abstract beauty of the aerial landscape. I began to focus on the light, color and forms that would translate my delight onto a 2-dimensional surface. I am particularly fond of the long shadows of early mornings, when the light is clear and bright. They seem to have a mysterious life of their own, quite independent of whatever might cast them across the land. I am also drawn to “edges”. In these works one sees evidence of human intervention, not yet destructive, but closing in. It is in the shadow realm and along the edges that the most exciting things happen for me. Using the emotional language of color and light takes me to deeper levels of understanding of both the environmental issues and ultimately, of myself.

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