As the seasons change, I have been enjoying longer walks in the crisp morning air. Taking time to see the colors of leaves, grasses and flowers change, gives me pause to consider the changes happening in my life. What seems more vibrant and lively, or what needs rest just as flowers go to seed, but also, what is thriving. I collect dried grasses and flower pods, looking at them for inspiration in life and art.

In spring and summer, orchard grass flowers are green with a blue highlight to them. Nearly unnoticeable without the blue shimmer as they sway amongst the other tall, green grasses. In autumn, they are golden, a lovely contrast amongst the layers of emerald grasses. This is when I really see them, the bristly texture, golden hue and their stiff stance tell me to slow down and appreciate the season I am in. Standing in the warm sun, I collect a few, hoping the wind has already carried their seeds for them.

Orchard grasses aren’t native to the area, which I hadn’t given much thought about until I started researching plants, grasses and reading, “Braiding Sweetgrass”. Brought here by colonists, they now cover our roadsides and fields, or in my case, the path I frequent daily with my dog. Though, they served a purpose for me. They got me thinking about some peaceful memories, sitting on an old foundation on the beach where clumps of beach grass grew. My uncle and cousin would sit with me, plotting our next swim to the big rock I watched them jump from. As we sat, I would wrap the blades of grass around my fingers, wrists and ankles, wishing I had jewelry like that of the grass pieces I made. The rough texture of the blades of orchard grass reminded me of beach grass. Though beach grass is sticky, rough, and if held just right between your thumbs, you could make whistle by blowing through the space you created. Seeing this dried, golden grass, brought me back to my refuge, a peaceful place, surrounded by those who made me feel safe. Though, I prefer the land to have been better preserved with native species, I am grateful this grass has led me to my next inspiration, REFUGE. As with the season of autumn is just beginning, so is my new collection.

Until then, I hope you enjoy this little snapshot of orchard grasses. In this print, I captured these dried flowers in a frame, as if looking back in time to memories of lying in a field, surrounded by tall grasses, swaying in the breeze and feeling the warmth of the sun on your limbs as sunlit dances through the leaves over you. As the seasons change and days grow shorter and colder, hold onto these golden moments, while also embracing what comes.

Printed on Lokta paper with oil based metallic gold ink, these prints measure 6” x 8.5”. Lokta paper is handmade from a renewable bush in the mountains of Nepal. Keeping with feel of the paper, which is textured, has bark in it and is a lush, emerald green, I deckled the edges of these prints. This is an edition of 8, printed in 2022.