I paint in response to place. The paintings present observations, awareness and feelings experienced in particular locations. My reactions to each place are complex and visceral. The paintings present more than what I see. The topography’s physical and visual attributes inspire a palette of color and of form. Sound motion, weather, memory and mood become part of my exploration.

The "Site" paintings on canvas evolved from watercolors created as I traveled to varied locations. The watercolors, although abstracted, linked strongly to traditional landscape paintings. This link is still evident in the later work but, as I explored more deeply, the paintings began to reflect more of my inner response to the places.

As I wander in search of evocative places, I am struck by the feeling that certain places seem sentient. The sites have power and energy that, if encouraged by attention, transfer to me as I explore. Sometimes the energy comes from natural forces—the thrust of rock from volcanic or glacial activity—the tension of strong wind and high seas. Sometimes I find natural forms that have been spiritualized by ritual signs left by ancient peoples. I find this energetic force in surprising places—in a Spanish steeple marking hours with ringing bells, in the converging forms of wet rooftops that reverberate with a horn-player’s sweet practice. The sites are, in essence, where I am and what I am while there.

—Elizabeth Strasser