In this series of paintings I'm going back to my roots--depicting places I grew up in. Looking back at what I love to paint, I realized that so much of what I find beautiful is the landscape that surrounded me as a kid growing up in Millcreek ravine.   The Japanese term shinrin-yoku translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” I've been absorbing the forest my whole life. I think tall trees made me feel small and enveloped. But also it evoked in me awe and wonder. It's no surprise, then, when I see the paintings I've created in the past, they are mostly some expression of these elements. They still spark the desire to explore my beautiful expansive backyard.