Watercolor and charcoal, framed, 15 x 12 inches

Artist: C. Beeze Gordon MD

"Ephemerals" is dedicated to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center in Jawbone Flats, Oregon, which was destroyed by the 2020 Beachie Creek Wildfire. Many brave firefighters, like those in Rist Canyon and Poudre Canyon, left their families in an effort to contain the fires.

As a gardener, amateur mycologist and lover of nature, I understand the importance of forest's restoration and regrowth after wildfires. Ephemerals are the first layer of weeds to germinate after a fire. A layer of hope that, one day, a new, stronger forest will regrow. 

Incorporating charcoal into a watercolor painting was a fun challenge. Using actual wildfire charcoal made this project very special. I am honored to be a part of an art community that supports the Ashes to Art Project.