top of page
Here / Now: Tillamook Lighthouse
This artwork is inspired by the Tillamook Lighthouse, a beacon of safety and guidance during my childhood in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The words "HERE" and "NOW" serve as a reminder to stay grounded in the present, much like the lighthouse itself. The beam of light from the lighthouse is both a warning and a welcome, highlighting the dual nature of beauty and danger. The illustration emphasizes the significance of being aware of one's surroundings and finding peace in the present moment. Original map titled "Lighthouse Districts and Principle Lights, Depots, and District Offices," issued by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1912.
Colonial Impact: Seattle
This artwork reflects on the transformation and exploitation experienced by the native communities of Seattle. Named after Chief Si’ahl, Seattle's history is marred by the manipulative tactics of the federal government during the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855. Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens' "X" mark, used as a legal signature near Chief Si’ahl’s name, symbolizes the forced cession of native lands. The "X" overlay on the cityscape serves as a poignant reminder of the presence and absence of native peoples in a rapidly expanding urban landscape. Original map by Eli Sheldon Glover, 1878.
Ebb and Flow: Pacific Coast
This artwork reflects the powerful cycles of the ocean and life itself. The words "EBB" and "FLOW" represent the tidal movements, a metaphor for the strong currents and tides that shape our everyday experiences. Navigating these forces requires time, energy, and effort. The overlapping illustration of ocean, rocks, and sand with their charted moorings emphasizes the lived experience of reconciling the past with the present. Finding calm in the moments between cycles brings assurance and a sense of peace. Original map titled "Pacific Coast from San Francisco Bay to Strait of Juan DeFuca," issued December 1888 by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Pathways to Freedom: Underground Railroad
This artwork highlights the vital routes of the Underground Railroad during the Fugitive Slave Law period (1850-1861), a time when seeking freedom was a federal crime. The underlying map uses data from the 1870 census, capturing Black vital statistics as humans for the first time, moving away from the dehumanizing "Slave Questionnaire". This piece commemorates the escape routes used by enslaved people seeking freedom, as recounted in the Federal Writers' Project interviews from 1936 to 1938. This illustration honors the bravery and resilience of those who fought for freedom and those who aided them. Original map from 1870 Statistical Atlas by Francis Walker.
Seek: Rest
A reference to the act of searching or exploration, this artwork attempts to call attention for the need to find solace and peace on equal measure as colonialism and exploitation. Original map from 1912 U.S. Geological Survey.
bottom of page