In the midst of a quiet struggle, I am reminded that even in the darkness I am not alone. My limited vision of my state or my circumstances is never the full story. This piece came from a Hebrew wordplay in which God provides the young prophet Jeremiah a visual reminder of truth as he faced dark days ahead (Jeremiah 1:11-12). The layers hold the short-sighted questions; the colors are rich mercy.
mixed media on plywood, 38”x49”, framed
$2600

Karpas, the vibrant green vegetable adorning every Passover table reminding us of the kind blessing of the Lord - His provision in season. But at the Seder table, it is only eaten once it has been dipped in salt water - a symbol of tears. Just as Israel's prosperity in Egypt was consumed by labor and captivity, we remember that the blessing we originally received was tainted by the sorrow of our sin. Blessed is the Man of Sorrows who took what belonged to me and exchanged it for blessing.
mixed media on canvas, 16”x20”, framed
$480

Endurance is a surprise, springing from messes and tragedies, never the fruit of perfectionism. Thriving has everything to do with the substance within, not the turmoil without. Somehow I must learn this over and over. This piece finds brokenness as a resource for growth - a thriving succulent, when its environment says it should have withered long ago. 
Mixed media on canvas, 16”x20”, framed
$480

A commission piece for my friend whose story is more than narration. It holds landscapes, smells, textures and words. To create a snapshot of someone is an awesome, but fragile task. I wanted to go as far back into that big sky as I could and still be able to touch the wheat and water in front of me. I wanted to feel the edges of a distant past and the cool softening of the present under the feet. What a privilege it was to do this piece.
mixed media on canvas, two 12"x12", framed

In a season when one is tempted to disregard, even discard, the mass of green paddles, it will unfurl tightly wound petals and bleed the colors of royalty. The pauper becomes the king. The crowning blooms aren't presented for centerpieces. Instead they wield armor that ward off the pickers and cause one to admire at a distance. How fascinating, this bloom that requires pause before coming close.
mixed media on canvas, 24x30, framed
$1000

We climbed this mountain outside of Glacier. The rich view at the summit was the reward after first battling an unforgiving hike straight up its side. It was an unforgettable day. Waters below, trees below, faces of snow ahead, mountain goats surrounding and following, and a friend as our guide.  The next year would find me at my lowest, wanting nothing more than escape. I did not think I could continue to climb the steep face. Whatever was at the top was not worth my humiliation. And at a place when I couldn't see how to proceed without breaking, I was confronted with Psalm 18. "The Lord was my stay. He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." I was calmed by His gracious promise to not let me go. That night's assurance became my banner and this piece is my memorial. He was my stay.
mixed media on plywood, 24"x48", framed
NFS