Art Quilt, 31”H x 147”W, For The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Once each summer, I visit my home state of Wisconsin. I bring my children and my husband—when he can get away—and we spend a week or two breathing fresh air and soaking up the landscape. My constant companion while driving the beautiful county trunk roads is my Wisconsin Atlas and Gazetteer, always looking for the marsh symbols on the maps, my camera ready. My family indulges me while I stop the car, walk about, sigh, and photograph the lovely scene.

The lovely scene in this work, WISCONSIN WETLANDS: POYGAN MARSH, is a composite view of an area southwest of Lake Poygan in Waushara and Winnebago Counties, off of County Trunk D. There are two creeks through this area, both with charming names, Pumpkinseed Creek and Willow Creek. I have photographed this area for several summers, and often detour off Hwy. 21 to visit.

These landscapes captivate me because of their horizontal-ness. Marshes are flat by nature, and water behaves by spreading to its most wide, making for long lines from side to side. In contrast the vertical reeds and grasses, and occasional trees give rhythm, texture, and endless interest. Again and again I am mesmerized.