Haunting & Copious

This is the painting that started the whole Alpenglow Collection. Back in January glowing fluorescent pink mountaintops were a beacon of hope and a faint echo of summer when there were short days and oppressively long, dark nights. The beauty of it haunted me. I kept reliving it in my dreams, obsessively watching the sky every evening to see the alpenglow again- a small daily ritual to look forward to. I intentionally kept this painting small in size inviting you to slow down for a closer look. The mountain peak is a tiny flash of light surrounded by splashes of color, texture, and shadow- a fever dream of apricity.

I pushed, pulled, and wrestled with the balance between brightness and shadow in this painting. I wanted the viewer’s perspective to inform the interpretation of the title/ painting, showing the power of our internal monologue and what we chose to consume. While painting through the winter and spring I set intentions in my sketchbook with these questions: Do you give in to the looming copious shadows or do you intentionally seek the light and joy? Will you notice the tiny things that can save us everyday or be wrapped in a downward spiral? Do you dwell on the evil in others and join in the chorus of complaints or do you see the kind, forgiving, resilience in us all? Do you give yourself and others grace to try again and change? Do you give yourself time to rest? 

Our country is headed into uncertain times. A historically progressive or regressive outcome awaits. I’m remaining hopeful but am very scared of what is looming. On top of it being election week, the time has changed and Winter is closing in. I’m wishing so deeply that the universe will send you small reminders of the haunting, copious beauty that faithfully remains amidst the big, deep dark.