A few months ago I posted sketches for the new studio I am building next to my house. Today the work began. After a light snow the great whiteness was removed to expose the ground of winter.
Earth is dug out, boulders as big as a car hood are discovered. All earth is set to one side, while the snow pile is set to the other.
The process is all part of a larger practice. Practice of architecture, and imagining the future. A practice in faith that imbedding this idea for living with the land is a sound decision in this particular place.
The Wetlands of Louisiana are failing. Our control of rivers and need for oil is the culprit. With action the wetlands health can be restored. To learn more check out the Environmental Defense Fund.
Years Ago, when I was still new to Montana and the Yellowstone Eco-system I had the opportunity to hear the wolves howl above us in the mountains while working on a Remote Studio project miles from a paved road. The experience was heartening, beautiful, and musical magic. Reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995, the wolves have grown into families who expand across the Mountain West. They are a part of the West, this place is their home. They are the wildness that makes place for us and reminds us that we are a part of a larger community that we cannot always control, but simply honor. The wolves, like the bear and mountain lion are the creatures that bring alertness to our experiences in the wilderness. They are critical to the health of the eco-system, and bring magic and mystery to us everyday. This year I hope for peace and greater respect for all those that we do not quite understand, who challenge us, and may bring a bit of humility into our lives. Without them the World would be less beautiful.
“Winter Wolf” is the third piece in the Bear Canyon Series.
If you are driving between Island Park, ID and Ennis, MT keep a look out for art. This weekend I was in Jackson Hole to sketch . I made one small pastel on the trip.
The drive into Ennis was blustery and the landscape moody. I rolled down the passenger window to take a picture while driving (shhhh…) and that’s when I lost it. That pastel drawing was sucked right out the window !
A gift back to the landscape, I guess.
All that’s left of it is this one quick photo taken with my phone .
between here and there 