The Eternal Gateway of Zion

The framed view in the center represents a portal, a symbolic gateway into the heart of Zion. As I created this, I wanted to express the idea of nature as a sanctuary — a place where we can reconnect with something larger than ourselves. The vertical frame serves as an invitation, urging viewers to step into the canyon and lose themselves in the natural beauty and timelessness of the place.  

The darker clouds hovering above suggest the powerful forces of nature always at play. Zion is a land that experiences extremes — from the harsh desert sun to sudden thunderstorms. In this artwork, the clouds mirror our own emotional states, hinting at the storm within that must sometimes be weathered before we can find clarity. The contrast between the fiery earth and the dark, foreboding sky is a reminder that beauty often arises from adversity.  

I used the interplay of colors, particularly the orange-red of the sandstone and the deep blues and blacks of the sky, to evoke emotions of awe and respect. Orange in this context is the color of vitality and creativity, representing the life force of the earth itself. Meanwhile, the dark clouds remind us of the unknown — the mystery and power of nature that is beyond our control.  

This artwork is more than just a visual representation of Zion; it is a reflection of how we, as humans, engage with the natural world. Zion is not just a park; it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of nature, and through this piece, I hope to invite others to enter its eternal gateway and feel the connection to something ancient and powerful.  

The purpose of this artwork is to blend the raw, unyielding beauty of Zion’s landscapes with the personal experience of standing before such grandeur, overwhelmed by the sheer scale and the subtle reminders of time’s passage. Every color, every shadow in this piece was placed to evoke a sense of respect, of the divine artistry that nature itself sculpts over eons.