Western Oregon Water Elegy (For Victor).

Acrylic on paper, 12” x 9”.

I met Victor when were 5 or 6 years old. He was like a big brother to me. He punked me on a regular basis. Mom called him “A little snot.” He was full of mischief and I loved it. He amazed me with his deep thoughts.

Then I moved away. The kids in the new neighborhood weren’t like Victor. I became the neighborhood snot over there.

Victor and I found each other again 10 months ago, 42 years after we met. He took me rafting. The years have polished his mind like the river polishes square rocks round. He is white water become calm. Victor loves the water.

I am so glad I found my friend again. So glad.

Thunderbird Over the Columbia

"Thunderbird Over the Columbia." Ink on paper superimposed over photograph, digitally enhanced, 11.5" x 11".

This is the Thunderbird, mythical creature associated with indigenous peoples of the Columbia River plateau. I am emulating their petroglyphs. I have camped many times along the cliffs near submerged Celilo falls, their forgotten Manhattan.

When I was 14, Mom moved us to Hayden Island in the middle of the Columbia River. Lewis and Clark called this Island “Image Canoe”. On the island was a large late 1960's resort hotel called "The Thunderbird". Along the roofline were backlit bands of magenta and blue squares – tacky but beautiful at night. Soon this hotel will meet a wrecking ball.

I am commemorating both of these Columbia River cultures with this picture. I savor relics.

Grasshopper

Ink on paper, digitally colorized. 11" x 14".

An image from late last summer. Where are these little fellers now? Sleeping.

Día de los Muertos

Pencil on paper, 7.5" 11.5".

Fire Flower

Ink on paper superimposed over photograph, digitally enhanced, 10.5" x 9".

Love makes things grow. This is what all my art is about.

People are inherently timid - because we are all so vulnerable. We throw weed killer on the things that burst through the cracks on the sidewalk. But, in a moment of hunger or loneliness, a person may be receptive to something different. This is when a weed becomes a fruit. This is when fear turns to love.

Caterpillar

Ink on paper, superimposed over photograph, digitally enhanced. 11.5" x 4".

Based on a sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, "Even the Catterpillar", 1952.