Spring now! This time is a literal groundswell of possibilities as the earth begins burgeoning with life. Seeing the impossibly green sprouts emerging from the only recently frozen ground, feels like hope.

On my self crafted art retreat in Mexico this year, I was drawn to create rock pile sculptures. This is a human impulse with a rich history and meaning. This practice is not without controversy, especially in wilderness areas where “leave no trace” is extolled.

An intense summer storm hit the city of Minneapolis, where I live. I was devastated to see that there were trees blown down all over the city. To honor these fallen giants, I began to collect branches before the trees were unceremoniously dragged away, chopped up and shredded.