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Death Valley National Park is full of fans. Alluvial fans. When you think of Death Valley you usually think of a hot desert valley. But I think of canyons. The valley is lined with mountains which are riddled with canyons. Wild dark steep and deep canyons whose contents spill into the valley from years and years of infrequent but raging flash floods. This fan-shaped pile of debris can make for a nasty canyon entrance or exit.

I spent a few days backpacking with friends into one of these canyons crossing the rocky slope to enter. The sensation of going far, and at the same tiime nowhere, was undeniable. It was worth it though, because once you finally got inside the canyon, you're in a special place. Shaded and contoured like cool marble slides, the polished rock makes you feel you are light years away from the dusty desert valley. You can hike up one canyon, cross a ridge, and come back out another canyon. It makes for a unique discovery. You really feel the isolation. It's as...

I've been creating art since I was a kid. It's something that has always been good medicine for me. My images are often created intuitively from my imagination. Inspired by the natural world, I think about the things I've experienced as I paint or draw. Before I realize it, I've drifted away from this world for a while. When I return, I always feel a little better, more grounded, and connected to spirit. As much as I love to paint, I am also in love with creating children's books. If you would like to have a look at those, please visit my website at BonnieKelso.com or look me up on Amazon. My books encourage people of all ages to explore their creative energies. I believe that creating art can soothe the mind and heal the soul. I also...