‘v a l l e y g i r l’
the story
There are rare moments in a studio practice where a painting ceases to be a planned composition and instead dictates its own birth. Valley Girl is one of those rare, magical emergences—a work that absolutely appeared on the canvas, flowing directly off the heels of a deeply spiritual journey into the Iao Valley in Maui.
As a favorite, sacred sanctuary that the artist returns to every time she steps off a Southwest flight to the islands, the emerald-green peaks, rising mists, and rushing waters of the valley left an indelible mark on her subconscious. When she returned to her easel, that raw, tropical energy demanded to be released.
While working in the absolute freedom of the studio, the artist realized she was not alone; hours dissolved into complete timelessness. As the composition revealed itself, a feminine presence emerged from the landscape, waiting to be seen. The natural outline of her waist and navel already existed within the layers, and what initially began as ridges of the mountain shifts into a beautiful, structural flora bikini top.
Guided entirely by the artist’s bare hands, the heavy strokes of rich greens, mist-born whites, and sudden flashes of tropical light mimic the raw texture of the living earth. Valley Girl stands as an untamed, expansive tribute to the moment the artist fell head over heels for the landscapes of Maui and Kauai. It is a deeply personal piece infused with gratitude to the universe and the joyful, protective energy of the strong women in her family—who, as her sister lovingly notes, are all having fun together in a "Costa Rica heaven"—bringing a breathing, immersive slice of tropical sanctuary directly into the modern interior. I was Inspired by the many visits to the magnificent Iao Valley, Maui, Hawaii
Featured Masterwork: Valley Girl
A Lush Emergence of Tropical Sanctuary
Dimensions: 72" x 45"
Medium: Mixed Media Expressionism on Heavy-Duty Canvas
Collection: The Fluid & Landscape Series
Status: Available for Private Acquisition or Architectural Placement
V A L L E Y G I R L
the story