The Paper Strata series is a collection of six signed and numbered mixed-media works that re-examine the desert landscape through the lens of topographic deconstruction. Each piece is constructed from multiple layers of meticulously hand-cut paper, stacked to create a physical “strata” effect. This additive process builds a tangible sense of depth, where the shadows cast by the paper edges define the contours of the dunes and mountains, transforming a flat horizon into a dimensional relief.
Technically, the series utilizes a “cut-out and collage” method, where specific layers are recessed to reveal background colors while others are built upward to create foreground peaks.
The inclusion of minimalist desert iconographyโsaguaro silhouettes and winding road motifsโanchors the abstract paper layers in a recognizable environment. By varying the color palettes across the series, from high-contrast midday neutrals to vibrant sunset oranges, the work captures the shifting atmospheric light of the Arizona desert through the rigid medium of paper.
As a limited series of six, these works represent a fusion of architectural precision and organic subject matter.
The use of hand-pigmented and textured paper ensures that while the composition remains consistent across the numbered editions, the tactile quality of each piece is unique. Paper Strata serves as both a study in structural layering and a vibrant tribute to the enduring, layered history of the desert floor, offering a sophisticated, modern interpretation of southwestern landscape art.