During the isolation of the pandemic, the familiar trails of Hahamongna in the San Gabriel Valley – the heart of what we call the 'LA Forest' – underwent a profound transformation. Bereft of our footsteps and voices, nature reclaimed its space. The trails that had once been clear and predictable became a tangle of new growth. Every visit revealed more surprises: a canopy of song from birds that once had to compete with human-made noises, unexpected blooms from plant life, and the graceful presence of wildlife that seemed less wary of an occasional wanderer.

It wasn't just the visible changes that stirred something within me. It was the deeper, more intimate connection with the land, as though the ancestral spirits of the place were making themselves known in the absence of modern distractions. These once-familiar trails now felt like passages to another time, connecting me not just to the land's present, but to its past and the countless generations that had walked here before me.

In trying to capture this feeling, my art became more than just a representation; it was a conversation. I delved deeper, using the very essence of the forest in my work. Plant and flower dyes became a medium, allowing the vibrant colors of the forest to tell their stories on my canvases. Tree fibers and bark introduced texture, giving a tangible feel to the memories of my treks.

This sketchbook series is a chronicle of a journey, both internal and external. Through explorations and digital interpretations, I've aimed to encapsulate the profound bond I felt with the LA Forest during this unique period. It's an ode to nature's resilience, its deep history, and the eternal ties that bind us to our environment and ancestors.

These pieces, rich with nature's essence and ancestral undertones, have become a pivotal cornerstone for my artistic journey ahead. Not only have they captured a transformative period in my life, but they've also established a reference library that I constantly consult, a wellspring of inspiration for my ongoing explorations. Drawing from these experiences, my current endeavors reach further into the intertwining narratives of nature and human lineage. The textures, colors, and emotions captured in these series serve as constant reminders and guideposts. They inform my work and perspective as I delve deeper into broader canvases. It’s an evolution of sorts; an organic growth from seeds sown during those introspective days in the Hahamongna, now evolving into a new body of work.