Creation date 2023.05.10

Medium paper from: Hiking Maps of the Yosemite Valley, 2014

National geographic magazine: April 1996, May 2003, May 2011, Fodors Up Close California,1997

The Complete guidebook to Yosemite National Park, By Steven Medley, 2018

The Yosemite by Galen Rowell, and John Muir, 1989

California Road & Recreation Atlas 2002

Original 16x20”

34 hours of cutting & design to complete.

Yosemite has held a place in my heart since I was a little girl.  I remember hiking up the falls with my brother for a special family moment and the scenery was just breathtaking.  What a blessing having this in my own California backyard. My sentiments were mirrored in John Muir and Galen Rowell who extensively explored the area.  My favorite quote is from Rowell.  “After thirty-five mountain expeditions to such places as the Himalayas, Alaska, and Patagonia, I am able to return to Yosemite and to say with the authority of extensive personal experience how truly unique the park is. I have found nothing like it in the rest of the world.” You will find quotes like this, and many others woven into the tiny pieces that create the scenery. I chose El Capitan not only because of this gorgeous reference photo taken by @elliotmcgucken Elliot McGucken.  He captured the light perfectly, but also because it was less obvious than a Half Dome photo.  If you know you know right? This piece is for true Yosemite enthusiasts.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.