Rock formations and their layers of texture and color have been a strong inspiration, as well as the landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada and the Rainbow Mountains in China.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I have always loved the wild places between the Sierra Nevada range and the Rocky Mountains. The east face of the Sierra Nevada is steep and largely unknown, a wonderful setting.
Within two hours of where I live, you have mountains and desert as location. I like the natural elements that abstract into light, texture, shape and shadow.
As with other phases of nature, I have probably loved the rocks more than I have studied them.
Fertile soil, level plains, easy passage across the mountains, coal, iron, and other metals imbedded in the rocks, and a stimulating climate, all shower their blessings upon man.
Life is supposed to be a series of peaks and valleys. The secret is to keep the valleys from becoming Grand Canyons.
Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery.
There are grander and more sublime landscapes - to me. There are more compelling cultures. But what appeals to me about central Montana is that the combination of landscape and lifestyle is the most compelling I've seen on this earth. Small mountain ranges and open prairie, and different weather, different light, all within a 360-degree view.
I have traveled the entire state and spent a lot of time out of doors. So I have known the landscape of the Columbia Basin for quite a while, and I have had this strong feeling about it for many years.
It's not at all naturally human to see something like the Grand Canyon as beautiful.
I love a lot of Colorado and upper Utah. I think some of the most beautiful terrain is upper BC.