I am obsessed with the warm light that envelopes figures as the sun is setting; the time known as "golden hour." My favorite place to be at this time is hiding out near a rookery - watching the Egrets and other birds parachute down into their nesting spots. They quibble a little, and then they start what can only be described as a ritual. They begin connecting with their partners and they start to preen. The Great White Egrets especially have magnificent wings that they slowly fan out to realign each feather. This time feels so special, like I am watching them in their most vulnerable, self-care moments. And when this is combined with a robe of light on one of their shoulders or around their silhouette, it adds the magic that I strive to communicate with my paintings. My language is written in strokes of oil paint and layers of 22 karat gold and genuine silver leaf, reminiscent of historic spiritual iconography. My goal is to stoke emotion, goosebumps, and appreciation.