Abstract
Salmon are a keystone species to many areas around the world, including here in the Pacific Northwest. Several species are now endangered or threatened because of climate change and human interference. Global warming is melting glaciers and changing water temperatures, dams have prevented salmon migration to their native spawning areas, big agriculture and mining pollute watersheds, the list goes on. Salmon are not the only species affected by climate change, but they are a symbol, not only vital in this area but, beings that connect people across oceans, political borders and languages.
These abstract mixed media paintings celebrate salmon as an ecocultural keystone species in the Columbia River basin. Through bold lines and bright pallets I am sending out good energy to the land that sustains me.
Artist Statement
Through strong compositional design and ambiguity of form, I seek to start a dialogue with my art. The push and pull of value and lack of atmospheric or linear perspective creates an enigmatic space where the viewer is free to find their own interpretation. Rather than crafting a narrative through my work, or creating a representational image of the theme I am working with, I aim to engage the viewer in finding their own meanings of the work. The addition of titles, project abstracts and other supplemental information adds layers of context through which I encourage the viewer into further exploration about either the technical aspects of the works or the content of the project.
Acknowledgements
I honor and acknowledge the people who have shaped and cared for the land of the Columbia River basin for millenia and who continue to do so today. The land where I am making my home is located in the historic home of the Yakama People. The federally recognized Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation is made up of Klickitat, Palus, Wallawalla, Wanapam, Wenatchi, Wishram and Yakama. As instructed through generations, the Yakama people continue to be stewards of the land and I am forever grateful and blessed to help care for and honor that land. I give thanks to those who came before, their legacy and their descendants. I will continue to educate others about the importance of the land, its people and their history. I promise to be an ally in protecting their Creator-given rights to the land's natural resources, and their role in policy making to protect the land, community and tribal sovereignty.