Have you ever ridden on a train? Listened to your heart beating? Life has a rhythm - a continuous beat. The brushstrokes in these paintings are a mirror of that rhythm. Sometimes, it beats faster, sometimes slower, but it is ever present. The vertical and horizontal strokes of the color- loaded brush remind us of the comfort that can be found in the pulse of life – not just the beat of a heart, but also the repetition of daily tasks. Over and over we do many of the same things every day. Our routines can bring us comfort and even beauty, when they knit together to form the fabric of existence. The play of opaque and translucent color is one of the things that makes encaustic the perfect medium for this series of paintings. We all seek control or order, but imperfections must be embraced. Life is full of unexpected things. The colors are inspired by the rich cultures of New Mexico – from the turquoise, rugs and beaded jewelry of the native tribes to the colorful costumes of the Mexican Folk dancers.