 Recently, I had the opportunity to transform Hawaii’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural stories into two mixed media pieces. Creating these commissioned works while I’m here has been an incredible adventure—being immersed in such inspiring scenery has truly fueled my creativity. I feel like this version of myself, deeply connected to the land, is a reflection of home, probably because I was born on an island too.
The process wasn’t without its challenges—tight deadlines and high humidity affected drying times—but it was deeply rewarding. I incorporated foraged materials such as mulberry bark from Waihee Ridge, sand from Baldwin Beach, and local newspapers to add layers of texture and meaning. These works explore Hawaiian myths of sky, earth, and sea, weaving cultural symbolism with my personal story. They are my way of celebrating the island’s spirit and deepening my connection to place through art.  Floating my paintings on water—an ephemeral ritual of place, memory, and interconnectedness. A moment to reflect where boundaries dissolve and everything is fluid.
Why do I float my paintings on water? Floating my paintings on water is an extension of my exploration of place, transition, and interconnectedness. Just as my relief sculptures and materials embody the passage of time and the fluidity of the environment, the act of placing paintings on water transforms them into living, ephemeral offerings— a poetic ritual that dissolve boundaries and invites reflection. This act symbolizes the transient nature of identity and belonging, echoing my personal journey of uprooting and adaptation. By immersing my work in water, I create a space for contemplation where art becomes a fluid, interconnected experience—merging the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of place and self.  Moon at my back, I’m gathering inspiration for a new commission here on Maui — and honestly, just being on this island ignites my creativity in the most extraordinary ways.
To start, I created three small moons using local materials as a “warm-up.” It’s a way for me to connect with this place, to soak in its energy, and to feel truly rooted in where I am. Sometimes, the best ideas come when we allow ourselves to be present and embrace the beauty around us. Feeling grateful for this journey and excited to see where it takes me next.  I am the radiance of the sun, opening and withholding the rain clouds. I am both immortality and death, being and non-being.
I am the Self, Arjuna, seated in the heart of every creature. I am the origin, the middle, and the end—everything that all must come to. — Bhagavad Gita Inspired by an open heart—an invitation to embrace vulnerability, speak your truth, and be truly heard. Now is the moment to open wide. Made with organic materials and returned to nature, this piece tells a story of place, belonging, and the transformative power of coming home. The Song of God, 12” x 9, mixed media on canvas  I love creating artworks that seem to have been carved directly from the landscape. Recently, I painted on the shores of the Great Salt Lake.
My body ached from being sandblasted by the relentless wind. At one point, I found myself caught in the midst of a massive sweeping wind tunnel with no way out. All I could do was relax my body and wait for the storm to pass. It was a poignant reminder not to panic when storms come our way. Infusing a sense of place into my work is essential for conveying its spirit. I believe that this energy can be felt by the viewer, making my pieces raw, elegant, and poetic.  Delighted to deliver this textured, large-scale piece to my friends at Echo Arts in Bozeman! It’s headed for framing before arriving at Moonlight Basin in Big Sky. I truly appreciate the leap of faith that commissioning art is—thank you for trusting me to bring your vision to life. Can’t wait for everyone to see it in its new home!
https://www.echoarts.net/ https://www.moonlightbasin.com/  Grateful for the opportunity to contribute my work to such a meaningful project - thank you for allowing me to be part of this inspiring journey!
https://www.cjcogden.org/ https://ogdencontemporaryarts.org/  Day One of my Fearless Abstract Painting Workshop was all about setting intentions and allowing the creative process to unfold naturally into new ideas. Huge thanks to Workshop SLC for hosting and supporting our creative journey.
 I love the wind. I love floating canvases on water, infusing the environment into my work as a tribute to the sacred land we stand upon.
Plein air painting along the shores of the Great Salt Lake is one of my most immersive and inspiring experiences. Through this work, I explore themes of belonging—being present where I am—resourcefulness—using simple materials—and spirituality—honoring how nature sustains and informs us. |
