Mini #6 & 7, West Point, WA, Acrylic on panel, 2x3 inches, 2019

The Puget Sound off of Washington State is at once moody and breathtaking. On foggy days, like the one in this view from West Point, you can’t see the line of mountains, including Mt. Rainier, in the distance. It gives a feeling of mystery to be in a place where you know there is something beyond your view, but you just can’t see it. West Point is the westernmost point from Seattle into Puget Sound. There is an 1880’s lighthouse and long stretches of sand, but it is also an important area for indigenous people of the region and a site of ancient Washington. I was born in the Seattle area and moved further south as a kid, but there will always be something special for me about the coastline and mountains near the Sound.

West Point, WA Lighthouse, 2x3 inches, 2019

West Point, WA 2x3 inches, 2019

Mini #5 Molokai View from Maui, Acrylic on panel, 2x3 inches, 2019

Maui is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to spend time there and to make friends with some amazing people. Each time I am on Maui I learn something new, whether it is cultural, historical, botanical, artistic, or otherwise. Maui is a deep well of history, knowledge and experiences. The indigenous culture on Maui is alive in so many ways. You see it in the relationships in families, the revival of their native language, the fight to protect their homeland and the sharing of art and craft. Maui is also a place of contrasts and blending of cultures. The development of Hawaiian Pidgin, a language born from the blending of languages by Native Hawaiians and English speaking and non english speaking immigrants, exemplifies this blending. I love the sound of it. There is nothing so indicative of one’s culture as their language or mix of languages. This view of Molokai from Maui reminds me of the feeling of Maui, an island of dramatic beauty and wonderful people.

Mini #4: Sunflower, Acrylic on panel, 2x3 inches, 2019

Sunflower

Sunflowers always remind me of special people. My dear friend, J, is one of them. She told me they were her favorites soon after we met in college. I have created artwork inspired by my friendship with her and our mutual love of sunflowers over the years, and I felt that she must be present in any memoir project I create now. There is something so cheerful and miraculous about a sunflower, especially when you grow them from seed yourself. To plant a small seed in the soil, watch it grow, and stand underneath it at the end of the summer is a wondrous experience. Not all sunflowers grow so tall, but I like the tall ones best. When my son was little, I would plant them in a ring in the center of my garden, and create a special shelter of sunflowers just for him. He loved hiding in there and playing while I worked in the garden. It made me feel as though I was sharing some of the magic of nature with him. I still plant them every summer, just to feel the magic for myself and to be reminded of loved ones every time I look at them.

Mini #3: Portrait of Julio, Acrylic on Panel, 2x3 inches, 2019

Portrait of Julio

Julio is a Great Horned owl that lives at the Audubon Society of Portland. She, yes, she, “never learned to be an owl,” according to the info about her from the society. This is because she was rescued and raised by humans until she was five, at which time she went to live at Audubon. I always love it when she comes out to visit. She has a dignity about her and a comical seriousness that makes me forget that she is a bird. I have learned a great deal about birds lately and have become obsessed with their behavior, intelligence, and creativity. Time to pay more attention to non-human species for a change.

Mini #2: Rooftops, acrylic on panel, 2x3 inches, 2019

When I was in my late 20s, I moved back to Italy to study realist drawing and painting. I was in the middle of a divorce, but it was a dream I couldn’t wait to fulfill. My first apartment was several flights up in the attic space of a very old building near San Lorenzo in the center of Florence. It was quite a walk to the studio school, but it was inexpensive and I loved the view. From up there, I could see another part of the life of the city. People had tiny roof gardens, secret spots, places to hang laundry, windows to peer out of, and views out over the street. My place was up a narrow, crooked staircase that seemed to have been added to the building at a later time. For some strange reason, there was a locking metal screen door at the bottom of my staircase. I say my staircase, because I was the only one up at the top. On the floor below, was a family with two small kids who were very curious about me, and another apartment with an elderly woman who always wore black. She was tiny and feisty, always giving me advice about men and what they were good for. Every evening, she would hear me creep up my staircase and she would poke her head out of her door to remind me to lock my screen door. She would say, “There are men. Capisci?” At the time I found it silly and mildly annoying. Now I think I would just tell her, “Si signora, there are.” Thinking of that little place, and the start of one of the greatest adventures of my life always makes me smile.

1000 Miniatures, A Memoir in Paintings and Stories

New project: I am creating a journal and memoir using miniature paintings and stories. The paintings are approximately 2” x 3” give or take. My goal is to create 1000 of them over the next year or so and show them as a group. Hope you enjoy the first one of the series. “My Granny’s Hand” acrylic on panel, 2x3” from memory

When I was a very little girl, my family and I went to visit my grandmother in the nursing home where she had been for a few months. I was too little to understand that she was dying, but I remember feeling worried and sad. I wanted to see my Granny and sit with her, but she was just lying in the bed up above where I stood and I could not see her. After a little while, she reached her hand down to me. I remember it was thin and wrinkled and very soft. She did not squeeze my hand, but just let it hang there so I could hold it. I was aware that everyone was speaking quietly and no one was paying attention to me, but that was ok, I had Granny’s hand. That is my last memory of her, she died soon after and I was only three, too little to understand what a big impact her hands would have on my life. They had raised my dad, created wonderful works of art, written articles and journals, and left me a legacy that I still marvel at today. Yet, the first thought I have of her is of her hand reaching down to touch mine.

Botanical Works at Oregon Zoo Education Center

My work from a series entitled “The Alchemy of Seeds: A Year With Metro’s Native Plant Restoration Center Botanists,” will be showing from October 9 - November 27, 2019 at the Oregon Zoo Education Center. Each of the works features native and rare plants, a depiction of their habitat, and different phases of the plants life. It was an incredible opportunity to work with the botanists and Seed Scout Program Volunteers.

Interview published in SciArt Magazine

So honored to have been interviewed by Professor Christopher X J Jensen, Professor of Environmental Science and Evolution at Pratt Institute.

 https://www.sciartmagazine.com/straight-talk-ardis-defreece.html

Working on "Curiosity" at NOAA

This past week, I have been putting together my art piece for the Visitor's Center here at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. I am calling it "Curiosity" as I was inspired by curiosity cabinets and the curiosity of the many scientists here, especially Bill Peterson, who is the main scientist I am working with at NOAA Fisheries. I have met so many great people who have donated objects and materials to my project. Collecting on the beach, estuary and marina are also figuring in to my piece. It is coming along. Lots of building, assembling and painting to do as well.  

Collections

Micro plastic collecting

More stuff

In the wood shop

Fragments: Bonneville Dam

These paintings represent various pieces of the environment at Bonneville Dam. In my exploration I have looked at this place from different perspectives, both literal and figurative. It is a complex and diverse ecosystem full of examples of human intervention. 

Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly, detail, oil over acrylic,

  Endangered native Columbia River Gorge species. 

http://orbic.pdx.edu/documents/2013-rte-book.pdf

Blue Green Algae, oil over acrylic

Can sometimes be toxic to humans and animals. Proliferates in warm, stagnant waters. Occurs along shores of the Columbia River in summer. 

Aerial Marker Ball No. 1, oil over acrylic

These balls hover over the Columbia River, transecting the sky on either side of the dam to warn aircraft of the power lines. 

Lichen and Moss, oil over acrylic  

Plentiful lichen and moss are indicators of the air quality in the environment. 

Garlic Mustard, oil over acrylic  

Garlic mustard is one of the most invasive weeds in the Columbia Gorge region. It not only overwhelms native wild flowers, small trees and plants, it also poisons the soil for other plants. (Worst weeds of the gorge, Cape Horn Conservancy)

Lamprey Eel Up Close

Population in decline, native fish in Columbia River. This fish is also important to tribes along the river.

http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/articles.cfm?id=149489457

Spill Way

The spill way creates a churning volume of water. The dam itself keeps many fish from moving up River, even with fish ladders. The deepening in places has dramatically changed the ecosystem for fish. 

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/06/salmon_munching_sea_lions_at_b.html

European Starling Wing

Invasive bird that, though tough and intelligent, is a threat to native bird populations. Starlings lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and when they hatch, the larger starling chick eats more than its share and causes the other chicks to starve. 

Rubber in the river, oil over acrylic  

Prohibition  

Columbia River Red Legged Frog

Endangered

Lupine  

Native Northwest wildflower  

Good Fella

Beneficial insect, ladybug

Balsam Root

Native Northwest wdflower

Blanket

Paved roads surround the dam, allowing humans access by vehicle.  Paved surfaces also increase heat and don't allow water to percolate. Paving also causes toxic substances to run into watersheds after rain.

http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2010/07/13/no-more-pavement-the-problem-of-impervious-surfaces/

The deep

The Columbia River is a diverse and complex ecosystem, full of microscopic life and harmful chemicals. It is one of the most polluted rivers in the US.

Sockeye Survival

Sockeye Salmon are suffering from warming water temperatures. Diseases flourish in warm water. 

Pacific Tree Frog

Endangered: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/frogs.html

Buffet

Sea lions travel up River to feast on the bounty of salmon trying to reach their spawning grounds.  

Osprey

Many birds of prey nest along the river. 

Power

The Bonneville Dam produces apx 5 billion kwh of electricity for the region and California. 

Douglas Fir

Some species are native, a common sight in the gorge region and home to many species of animals and insects. 

Aerial Ball 2

Lines

Upcoming Residency at NOAA Fisheries, Newport, OR

I am very excited to begin a residency in Newport this summer with NOAA Fisheries. I will begin in mid July. Please check this blog for updates and info. Thanks! 

Red legged frog fragment

The adventure begins... This past week I have met many wonderful people. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful. I have a studio with great light, a fabulous library for study, and lots of people excited to show me their research. My work will be displayed in the Visitor Center at the end of my residency, very excited. I am now collecting materials and starting to piece together ideas. It's a lot of info to distill, but shaping up well.

Newport is a fun place to be as well! I have been beach combing for my project almost every day and exploring the area. Beautiful and interesting! 

Beginning drawings for my project here at NOAA Fisheries  

Newport

Newport Marina and bridge  

Near Seal Rocks

Newport Bay at night

Settling into my studio

Exploring the fragmented landscape

Since I moved to the Columbia Gorge region 9 years ago, I have learned a lot about the changes that have been inflicted upon the landscape to serve humans. I have witnessed some of these changes for myself and began to wonder how to address this in my art. As we demand more of our planet, more than we need, we are pursuing a course that will be ever more difficult to change. The more I learn, the more I want to do and say something about it. 

Dam Intervention No 1

Dam Intervention No 2

Dam Intervention No3

In the studio in October

...a fitting subject for the changing seasons: continuing my work on the paintings for various shrines at the White Mountain Druid Sanctuary in Trout Lake. Currently, I am working on a cycle of paintings for the Morrighan shrine, the aftermath of a great battle, bodies, crows, birth, death and rebirth...