"Sense of place is very important for an artist who is contemplating a new body of work. I often go into a period of “silence” for several days, perhaps longer, or travel to locations in nature where I will not be interrupted by the sounds and responsibilities of everyday life. It’s critical to keep one’s focus at this point. While visualizing, drawing, and writing, I begin to record my memories, both past and present. One of my locations was the inspiration for my MARSHSCAPES series. While sitting quietly and becoming one with these spaces I am able to “feel” the solitude, the peacefulness, and my emotional attachments to my past.”