This blog post is long overdue and inspired by my student who said to me, “I checked out your website and saw that you have a blog but the last entry was in 2020.”

It rained a lot on this trip. I don’t remember encountering any rain in my previous trips. It’s determined to make up for it this time.

Someday I will write more about my trips to Alaska. The place and the people I met there. For now, I have these photos, that don’t really do the place justice, to share.

Mama bear and baby bear. So cute! They looked like they just woke up from a nap, stumbling around with matted fur. I’m told that cubs stay with mama bear for 2 years, so this is the year when this baby will leave his/her mom.

In between the rains, before the workshop, I was able to sneak a few short hikes in. This is the view from the top of Mt. Riley. We were almost at the height of the clouds. I did this hike 6 years ago. I remember there being a lot of big rocks. Where did they go?

A friend of mine took me on a hike in Moose Meadow where the wild flowers were blooming. The trail wove in and out of the wooded forest and meadow along the beach. The landscape felt like a dream. When we sat down to lunch and admire the setting we found ourselves in, I said to her, “It’s beautiful here when it’s cloudy and glorious when it’s sunny.” Our conversation picked up and trailed off with its own peculiar cadence and rhythm like the distant rain that threatens to drop at any moment. She said thoughtfully at one point, “It’s beautiful here but it’s also…. a little bit sad….” I thought for a second and asked her to clarify, “Do you mean here or Alaska in general?” I let the question lingered for a minute then asked, “Because of the weather? Or, by sad, you meant melancholy?” She said, “Hmm…..” but made no further attempt to elaborate. And we let the ambiguity of her response sit like an old friend between us on the wet forest floor.

Workshop closed grisaille demo of our model Tim for my students

A student of mine took me on a hike on Saturday after the workshop ended. Smoke from the fire in Canada obscured our view.

A few days later, I had the opportunity of going up the same mountain from a different side. The trail is longer but not as steep. We didn’t anticipate that this side of the mountain was still covered in snow.

Salmon caught and canned by Brian O’riley

I brought home a lot of fond memories and experiences with my students, my hostess, new friends, and complete strangers. My multi-talented students gifted me some souvenirs to remember this trip by.