Crater Lake, 2002, 16 x 20-inch Water-based Oil

I am calmed by the serene placid landscape - the gently rippling waters
invite me to float lazily along the edges, feeling one with the dappled aqua lake.
The waters reflect the earthen cliffs rising toward the sun and are glad to feel
the solid presence above them. The flat mesa is open and exposed to rosy dawn
offering its wide expanses to those spirits who might want to settle
and commune with them. The Navajo presence is still felt in the ethers arising
from the granite stone - to perhaps one day meet the extraterrestrial visitors.
Violet haze settles on lower plateaus to hover and whisper eternal secrets.
The granite rims make the lake feel secure and contained
and it is at peace with its waters. Green vegetation around the edges offers
nutrients to lazily floating frogs on lily pads, darting minnows and water bugs,
while an occasional dragonfly alights briefly. I feel the lake’s contentment
as it settles in its crater bed and surrounds me like a blessing. On the edges,
two young aloe grow succulent and tender from rain swells and sunlight,
in spite of the barren surroundings. Healing powers in the making…
it is here that I eventually find my aquatic communion…

 Musical Inspiration: “Endless Sky” (Chuck Pyle)