During my third artist residency in Japan this February 2025, I chose to explore a new environment of a more urban landscape over a natural one.

I cycled and walked as much as possible rather than taking easier modes of transport. This offered time to consider my surrounds and contemplate new directions while stationary on a bicycle listening to the city at crossroad traffic.

Which road do I take? What direction do I go down? What path must I travel? The weather is icy with snow, my knuckles were white, feet cold but ready for the next push against fresh air and friction from the road below.

Any movement forward is the right direction.

In view are blue distant mountains standing high with fields of green and gold at their base. In front are tall buildings with paint fading to pastels. At their feet are bright fluorescent lines with calculated markings repeating towards the horizon.

The urban viewpoint is remarkable. Clenched knuckles in the cold, waiting to hear music at the lights, I keep moving forward through each and every crossroad.

A familiar occurrence in the studio, much like this experience, every direction traveled through each painting will be a rewarding one.