The inspiration for the more topographic works came from an extremely boring meditation retreat in Big Sur. I found myself staring at the wood grain of the chair of the person in front of me, unable to really drop into the meditation of it all. I realized while looking at the pattern, that the basic design of wood grain is interchangeable with that of clouds, granite, waves and many other patterns in nature. I realized that there is a basic rhythm that connects all form in nature. I wanted to see if I could harness that rhythm in my work. 

I also found inspiration from my brother’s topographical maps of California. He was an archeologist that spent much time in wilderness areas and backcountry. We lost him to cancer two years ago. I like to think that there is a piece of him in my work when I explore the theme of topography and California open spaces in my work.