I am definitely inspired by Grand Canyon. For one thing, you could spend life times painting this place! Grand Canyon has given me so much in the ten years I've been a river guide. The emotions I've experienced - from elation to fearing for my life, the people I've met, the challenges I've faced - these have all given me an amazing strength for this life. It has given me a path with heart.

I think anyone can gaze into Grand Canyon and have a sense of wonder and awe. But, take people completely away from their day to day lives, away from their phones, computers, jobs, and put them in this setting for two weeks. Something truly magical happens. Grand Canyon is a powerful place. It just takes hold of you and shakes you until your priorities are completely rearranged. It is a life changing experience for most. And, being a part of this experience with people is just as inspiring to me as Grand Canyon itself.

All of my life I have also been fascinated with the perfect geometry in nature. Having studied ethnobotany, I am especially enchanted with the plant world. I try to emphasize that geometry by painting desert plants, animals and rock patterns in a mandala-like style. "Mandala" is a Sanskrit word meaning, "circle". Many religions and cultures throughout history have used mandalas as a tool for meditation. I would love for people to look into my paintings and feel compelled to meditate on the wonders of nature!

I have worked with oil-based pencil, charcoal pencil, and acrylic paint. Most recently, I have been working with watercolor and ink. When I'm on the river, I gather inspiration, ideas, take photos, and draw quick sketches. Even though I spend many days in Grand Canyon, my time is spent working as a guide. There is not much personal time. So, most of my painting is done at home, in my studio, in Tucson. I'm always exploring new techniques, new ideas and new avenues of inspiration. I'm finding inspiration in my new home, Tucson. The surrounding deserts and mountains are beautiful! My paintings are a combination of imagination, learned and self-taught techniques, memory, dreams, photos, sketches, and of course, a little Canyon magic!