30 x 24 inches 

Oil on Canvas, Beads

In Collaboration with Lizzie Emch, M.S, UW-Madison

This piece was inspired by conversations with recent UW-Madison alumna Lizzie Emch, whose research explores the rising chloride levels in Lake Wingra caused by road salt. The background features a map of Madison, WI, with red lines marking the 2023-2024 salt routes, contrasting against a grayscale landscape to highlight the contrast between human activity and natural places. This piece also portrays the three themes of scientific curiosity, community connection, and support through the three hands around the map. The beadwork is representative of road salt and adds depth and texture to the painting. The title, Invisible Imprints, is a play on words that depicts how the increase of road salts in freshwater may not be the most obvious to the community, but makes great impacts to the ecosystem. I hope this artwork encourages viewers to reflect on how everyday actions, like salting roads, shape the future of freshwater.