Red Lands

The desert is often misunderstood—seen as barren, empty, and desolate. But to me, it's full and rich, a landscape that thrives in its own way. As Joy Harjo beautifully said, “The desert doesn’t need to be flattered with rain. It certainly needs rain, but it does with what it has, and creates amazing beauty.”

 

This 18” x 18” painting reflects that beauty—the vibrant reds and earth tones are born from my memories of day trips into the Sonoran Desert. It's a landscape that speaks of resilience, of life making the most of what little it gets. With each stroke, I sought to capture the power and grace that comes from the land, even when it appears dry and stark.

 

This piece is a tribute to the life that flourishes against all odds, and a reminder that beauty is often found where we least expect it.