High Peeks

High Peeks is part of my Wallflowers Series, which explores how we shape our environments and how they, in turn, shape us.

High Peeks is named for the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, where I found the lichens that twist across its surface.

After having climbed many hours to the reach the summit of a mountain, I was distraught to find haze obstructing the view I had worked so hard to see. These lichens were all that I could perceive.

Summit views are my favorite part of hiking. And too often, I hurry up a trail as quickly as possible to reach those views, ignoring the smaller beauties along the way. I promise myself I’ll look on the way down, but I’m usually tired by then and the light is fading.

So, I created these prints in part as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the little things. I amped up their size and color to call attention to the beautiful shapes of these often overlooked bits of flora and to pay tribute to the wallpapers of my youth.