Before we belong to a nation, a town or a family—we belong to the earth.

Soldiers have always returned home,

changed by their battlefield experiences.

Destruction occurs not only

in the war zone, it extends

to the communities

“back home.”

When will we acknowledge the true cost of combat?

Our bodies are vessels for the spirit

Our communities are vessels

that can hold and protect us

if we care for them.

The fabric of society

needs constant mending

and re-weaving.

Artist Statement

This work is a continuation of a body of work entitled: Connection, focusing on memory, history and narrative. The photo encaustic pieces developed from slides, discovered in the attic of my parent’s home after they passed away. They were taken by my father in S.E. Asia in 1966. He would often ride his bike into the countryside while overseas and take pictures while riding. These are some of those images.

Who is an ally?

Who is an enemy?