The tenacious world of symbiotic beings held me transfixed. Would I make it out of the parking lot? With so many intricate colors, shapes and forms of lichen, we spent hours investigating a single rock before heading onto the main trail. This extraordinary experience while on a Native Plant Society Walk inspired me to transform my new observations into textured prints.

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My intaglio print series, Symbiotica refers to the symbiotic relationship between algae nd fungus which form lichen. Neither plant nor animal, lichen are a unique life form that live on clean air. These magical beings photosynthesize and fix nitrogen from the air, making them harbingers of our environment, acting as guides, warning us about the health of our planet. Lichen provide food and housing material for other forest species.

Symbiotica is a metaphor for community and forming relationships for a better world. One has to look carefully to find lichen on the forest floor, on sidewalks, rocks, an old building, city railing, or on the bark of a twig in the park. To find fascination in unlikely places and appreciate the beauty around me, my fellow beings, in myself and my artwork is part of the inspiration of lichen.