Californian

I found one of my most valuable sources to be Devon Ryan, the communications manager at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. When I interviewed her, she stressed the importance of working with those you are trying to help. This advice encouraged me to think more about creating art that is a reflection of the area I call home. Her advice encouraged this piece.

The natural beauty of my home state of California is something that I grew up appreciating and continues to inspire me. This spring, I have been more mindfully appreciative of the nature around me. While hiking, I noticed the wildflowers, especially the California Poppies, blooming and came up with the idea for this piece. All the flowers in this painting are native to California. Many are very familiar to me and were present throughout childhood, while few others I am not as familiar with. It is important to take note of plants and animals that are native to an area versus those that are invasive species. Being observant and recognizing the choices that you and those around you are making that either benefits or afflicts those species is key. The figure is me as a child. The plants that are considered endangered by the California government are designated with an asterisk in the description.