Emergence is the first piece in the What Remains series — six large-format mixed media paintings exploring what persists in a landscape after disruption. A yellow acrylic base is layered with crimson red ink, the yellow breaking through in luminous gaps across the entire surface.

Ghost impressions of Dalmatian Toadflax, Spreading Dogbane and Red Maple fill the background — invasive and native species pressed into wet ink then removed, leaving only their traces in the blazing red field. Cheatgrass seed heads create fine texture at the base, embedded and refusing to fully leave — much like cheatgrass itself in the Western landscape. From a bed of ancient lichen, a single Avalanche Lily rises at center — one of the Pacific Northwest's most tenacious native wildflowers, known for blooming directly through snowmelt, sometimes before winter has fully released its hold. It is the smallest element on the canvas. It is the one you cannot look away from.

Size:  16x20x1.5"  

Medium:  acrylic ink and botanical on canvas  

Note: The painting is protected with multiple coats of Fine Art Fixative to help shield against UV damage, as well as archival varnish spray for added UV protection. Hanging paintings in direct sunlight will affect color retention over time.