Western Roadtrip Collection

In June of 2019 we embarked on our second western road trip with our Sprinter Camper Van. Giving ourselves four weeks to explore the states of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and then back down through California. We hiked and biked our way through a full circle of mountains and deserts. The scenery was epic, the weather was near perfect, with wildflowers everywhere and camping easy and available, our teenage sons said it was one of their absolute favorite trips.

Since we have been back I have been slowly building a collection inspired by our adventures. Some stones were picked up along the way and then more were purchased when we got back. I had no idea some of my favorite jaspers that I have used for years came from these western states!

We started our trip in Utah, visiting the magestic Zion National Park. With this group, I built a collection around Tiffany Stone. Mined in southeastern Utah, this stone is a mix of Flourite, Bertrandite and some opal and it is relatively rare. Due to the unusual mix of minerals, each speciman of Tiffany Stone has very unique qualities. Sometimes opaque and sometimes translucent, this stone is mostly purple with white and rust patterning, its a perfect embodiment of the walls and coloring of Zions Canyons.

While there were incredible bursts of color everywhere in the way of wildflowers (thanks to a very wet spring), I was mostly drawn to the fragrance and texture of the ever present sage plant. For miles in every direction sage scrub dominated our drives. And while there is much spiritual significance with the sage plant, I was mostly curious about how many varieties were present all on the same few square feet. One variety that caught my attention had tiny long fan shaped leaves with little scallops on the end. I wanted to create a small group honering this version of the ever present western plant.

Southern Idaho is home to many spectacular jaspers. In this collection I focused mostly on Owyhee Picture Jasper and Morrisonite Jasper. Like mini lansdcape paintings each stone tells its own fantastic story of western adventure.

These are just a few examples of new one of a kind works inspired by the landscapes of our western roadtrip. To see more of the collection click on my one of a kind page.

Thanks for exploring with me!!