It’s a steamy Monday morning here in Cabin Country, Minnesota. At first glance, this looks dreary, but find the peace this dew-covered window gives. Mother Nature grabs my attention again and gives me something to see that I haven’t paid attention to in the past. I give thanks for simple blessings like this image. I find beauty in the storm; I find my inner peace.
This collection of images captures the spirit of exploration, inviting photographers to share the emotions, stories, and moments that have shaped their journeys. Whether venturing to far-off destinations or discovering the hidden gems within their own communities, each photograph reflects the unique perspectives that arise from immersing ourselves in new environments and cultures. As we wind down the year, we celebrate the adventures that define us and invite you to relive the essence of travel through this inspiring visual experience.
I was blessed to have two images selected for this online exhibition, Beach Life and Watercolor Tree.
Beach life IR horizontal
Beach Life- digital infrared photography
Life is like an Ocean or in this case a Great Lake; sometimes it can be calm, rough waves, gorgeous blue waters, or jet black with white caps but at the end of the day it is always beautiful. Simple views like this help me recharge my soul, releasing the creativity like endorphins after a workout so I can share my visual art to the world.
Watercolor Tree- I phone fine art photography
Steamy Monday morning here in Cabin Country Minnesota. At first glance, this looks dreary, but find the peace this dew-covered window gives. Mother Nature grabs my attention again and gives me something to see that I haven’t paid attention to in the past. I give thanks for simple blessings like this image, I find beauty in the storm; I find my inner peace.
This year’s photograph Hint of Gold is framed in my Commando Photozaic.
Hint of Gold:
Robert Frost wrote this perfectly: Nothing Gold Can Stay. Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then the leaf subsides to leaf So Eden Sank to grief, so dawn goes down today. Nothing gold can Stay. This view recharges my soul, I love sitting on my parent’s shoreline watching the sunsets and June didn’t disappoint. There’s no better way to reflect on a beautiful day than watching the sunset, knowing tomorrow is going to be just as amazing. I enjoy my time spent with Mom especially after Dad passed away a few years back. It’s funny how life’s perspectives change after you lose a parent. I know that someday my time witnessing these beautiful sunsets on my parent’s shoreline will end but they will forever be locked inside my heart.
Orange Watercolor- Commando photozaic will grace New York’s Time Square area billboard.
When do you ask? July 19th, 2023
Time? 12:30 PM
Address: 1568 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Tips: The screen is in Times Square at the corner of 7th Avenue and West 47th Street. For the best view of the screen, go to the red steps in Father Duffy Square.
I am blessed to be one of the many talented artists at this prestigious location.
Orange Watercolor commando photozaic- small
About Orange Watercolor:
The sunset silhouettes of the islands have been like no other I’ve seen on my travels, knowing you are in borderland country (Minnesota/Canada) when you visit the trees bouncing off the evening sky. In my eyes each sunset is unique and unlike the previous day. Colors from sunsets change just like the seasons. Late summer sunsets have the deepest orange fading into twilight blue.
This view recharges my soul, I love sitting on my parent’s shoreline watching the sunsets and June didn’t disappoint. There’s no better way to reflect on a beautiful day than watching the sunset, knowing tomorrow is going to be just as amazing.
I enjoy my time spent with Mom especially after Dad passed away a few years back. It’s funny how life’s perspectives change after you lose a parent. I know that someday my time witnessing these beautiful sunsets on my parent’s shoreline will end but they will forever be locked inside my heart.
Robert Frost wrote this perfectly: Nothing Gold Can Stay.
Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then the leaf subsides to leaf So Eden Sank to grief, so dawn goes down today. Nothing gold can Stay.
Below are images I was blessed to capture and deciding which ones to make into my photozaics. Your comments are welcome if you have a favorite.
The Ashininaabek people used the Mother Bear as a landmark and tell the story about how she came to be there. Long ago, along the Wisconsin shoreline, a mother bear and her two cubs were driven into Lake Michigan by a raging forest fire. The bears swam for many hours, but soon the cubs tired. Mother bear reached the shore first and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. The cubs drowned within sight of the shore. The Great Spirit created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the eternal vigil of mother bear.
These images reminded me of the gulf coast just minus the salty ocean air.
I watched as morning fog kissed the landscape, slowly burning off showing Lake Michigan’s beautiful teal-blue waters. While I was exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes, I had the story above playing around in my head; carefully documenting the landscape with both color and infrared cameras.
Sleeping Bear Beach
Photozaic statement:
How can I construct an image that moves beyond the surface? Photozaics, of course!
My award-winning Photozaics are inspired where Van Gogh’s textures meet Ansel Adam’s simplicity near the intersection of Bob Ross’ healing vibes. This technique is a labor-intensive multi-step process and starts out with my journey into nature; recording the landscapes that spark my eye may it be rolling hills or a babbling brook. After modifying the composition, I take the print and head to the stained-glass shop to find matching colors. I cut the glass by hand taking smaller shards, and placing them in a rock tumbler to remove sharp edges while larger pieces are sanded by hand and assembled the frame. Grouting finishes the artwork allowing the detail of each cut glass shape to add texture to my art.
Art heals the mind, body, and soul. Research has shown a correlation between participating in cultural activities, like Crafting, visiting art galleries, and attending concerts have increased rates of good health. By creating Photozaics, it is my hope to connect with you through a multi-sensory mixed media presentation that tickles sight and encourages your touch.
An image is of a man and his best girl named Summit. This was her first time jumping off the pontoon to retrieve her favorite toy and my cousin, Tim wouldn’t allow her to swim on her own until she was ready! So, he jumped in grabbed the other end of the toy and they both Doggie paddled to the boat.
I want to personally thank Sue and John Johnson for
Want to engage your curiosity? Then stop by Natalie’s solo exhibition at Wyoming Center for Arts. She will have all available works of art ranging from simple framed infrared to color photozaics in various sizes.
artist statement
I create multi-sensory wall art that engages your curiosity of what lies beyond; what you see is personal to you. Creating art for me helps me connect with you, exhibiting my ability to make you feel like you are there with me. They inspire you to desire to touch my art, making you try to view it and feel it at the same time.
