Fractured Echoes: The Timeless Path through Cuyahoga

The  layered rock formations fascinated me. Each layer tells its own story, with distinct colors and textures revealing the passage of time. These rocks, formed over millions of years, represent endurance and permanence. I wanted to emphasize this in my composition, blending the layers with more modern,  abstract geometric shapes . These shapes—sharp, angular, and fragmented—represent the clash between nature and modernity. They break through the timeless rock formations, a visual reminder that even in places as ancient as this, the modern world makes its mark.  

The faint  forest in the background adds an element of hope and continuity. Beyond the rocks, there is life—trees growing, seasons changing, nature continuing its cycle. This glimpse of the forest is a reminder that even when we feel confined by the walls around us, there is always something beyond, something waiting to be discovered. I wanted this detail to symbolize growth, renewal, and the beauty that exists just outside our immediate view.  

The  burgundy and ochre colors were carefully chosen to create a sense of warmth and intensity.  Burgundy , often associated with strength and depth, evokes the deep, hidden emotions we carry with us. It is a color of passion, resilience, and mystery. In contrast, the  ochre tones add a sense of groundedness and connection to the Earth. Together, these colors create a powerful emotional landscape, one that speaks to both the beauty and intensity of nature. The more muted  grays and browns balance the composition, reminding us that within this intensity, there is also calm and stillness.  

The location depicted in this artwork is inspired by the  Cuyahoga Valley National Park , a place where nature and history meet in the heart of Ohio. Established as a national park in 2000, it spans over 33,000 acres, preserving the beauty of the  Cuyahoga River and its surrounding landscapes. The park is home to numerous rock formations, caves, and ancient ledges, some of which have been shaped by glaciers and erosion over thousands of years.  

The park has long been a place of refuge and exploration, with trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and along the  Cuyahoga River , which itself means "crooked river" in the language of the Native Americans who once lived in this area. It has been a site of industrial development, natural recovery, and conservation. The  rock formations found throughout the park are reminders of the forces of nature that have shaped this land for millennia.  

The  rich burgundy used in this piece was chosen to evoke feelings of strength and depth. Burgundy is a color that speaks to the power of nature, its ability to endure and evolve over time. The  ochre tones , grounding the composition, represent the Earth itself, the warm, life-giving soil that supports all life. These colors create an emotional landscape of passion, resilience, and reflection.  

The abstract  geometric shapes add a sense of tension and modernity, creating a visual dialogue between the ancient and the new. For me, these shapes symbolize the impact of human activity on the natural world—a reminder that even in places as old as these rock formations, our presence is felt.  

"Fractured Echoes: The Timeless Path through Cuyahoga" is a reflection on the enduring power of nature and the ways in which we interact with it. The rocks, carved by time, stand as silent witnesses to history, while the geometric shapes represent the ever-present influence of the modern world. The faint glimpse of the forest beyond offers hope and renewal, a reminder that life continues even in the most challenging landscapes.  

This piece is not just a representation of a place—it is a meditation on time, nature, and our place within it. The  Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a place where the past meets the present, where the natural world continues to shape and inspire those who walk its trails. I wanted to capture that feeling of awe and reflection, the sense that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.