The Fragile Key grew from walks the artist shared with her daughter through the redwood understory near their home. The salamanders, mosses, and lichens depicted here were found on those quiet outings—moments of looking closely, learning together, and noticing the small lives that shape a larger ecosystem.

The piece centers on a floating island of native species, reflected in dark water and held in a delicate balance. Salamanders, often overlooked, are key indicators of environmental health, revealing how even subtle changes in habitat can ripple outward.

This painting reflects on how care and attention are passed between generations. It suggests that staying connected to the living world comes from shared experience—walking, observing, and honoring the places we inhabit. Through this simple act of looking closely, the painting invites a deeper awareness of the fragile systems that sustain life.

The series begins with Echo in the Grain.