Before the breathin' air is gone
Before the sun is just a bright spot in the night-time
Out where the rivers like to run
I stand alone and take back somethin' worth rememberin'
- Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, For Three Dog Night
In 1970 Three Dog Night released a song called “Out in the Country” which resonates with me still almost 50 years on. I feel so fortunate to be a child of the Mountain West. Lately I have recently been expanding my artistic scope beyond the landscapes of my Wyoming home, spending time in the Nevada desert, where I grew up, Southern Utah where I maintain a second studio, and everywhere in between.
The mountains, skies, ancient rock formations and waterways speak to me of time: It’s preciousness both personally and existentially, it’s relentless march forward, its history and its future. We are reminded daily of the vulnerabilities of this landscape, not only from the effects of population growth, but also climate change, which is no longer a future concern, but an existential one.
I continue to explore these landscapes through my observations and my work as a painter. My newest work incorporates the element of memory. How does my experience of these Western places express itself through the lens of passing time?
I will be showing new pieces from this body of work as a featured Artist at Turner fine Art beginning December 2. Stop by December 5, 5-7, for a reception. Bobbi Miller’s solo show opens then as well.