When I arrived in California in 2019, I noticed the vibrant life in my backyard, a stark contrast to the East Coast winters. It was my first year experiencing the unique California seasons, and I began documenting new growth and blooms in my garden. At the same time, I used Google Maps to track my walks through the neighborhood, mapping both my physical movement and the subtle changes in nature.

As I explored beyond my yard, I documented plants that caught my eye, capturing moments of growth. My sketchbook, filled with notes and photographs, became a record of these changes, while my paintings focused on individual blooms at their peak. The work reflects my connection to the landscape and the distinct California light.