I love the state of Utah. The 125th anniversary of Utah’s statehood offers an opportunity to explore a symbolic visual story that conveys an emotional sense of thriving in a work of art utilizing elements from nature and the human form. Transforming the ordinary into a source of beauty and meaning is my intention when creating a work of art. Celebrating 125 years of statehood stirs feelings in me of the beauty found in the unique diversity that is ours through the land, the flora and fauna, the people and how we have changed through history. Utah has amazing diverse and varied landscapes which are stunningly beautiful having been transformed by time, climate and geological shifts. The flora and fauna of our state is also a source of visual inspiration to me from the mountains to the red rock desert. In this art I have included imagery of our diverse and varied people, and some of the natural symbols of our state such as the beehive and honeybees, California gull, Rocky Mountain elk, sego lily, quaking aspen, cherries, Spanish sweet onion, Indian ricegrass, and Bonneville Cutthroat trout. My artistic vision is focused on symbolic portrayals of interconnection, unity, nature, and the grace and joy of everyday life.