In this series, Tethers, I explore the desert flora of my home state, Arizona. The paintings serve as links to my personal history and identity, reflecting how the land shaped and continues to influence both. The vibrant blooms found in spring are a testament to the creative potential that lies dormant beneath the harsh desert exterior, a potential that mirrors the hidden depths of human personhood. And yet, these bursts of beauty are fleeting, much like the spring season itself. Severe conditions inevitably return, reminding us of the desert's austerity and the long wait for the next renewal.