Like most photographers, I’d seen countless images of the famous light beams pouring through the narrow sandstone walls of this incredible slot canyon in Arizona. But standing inside it was something entirely different. The light shifted by the minute, revealing flowing textures, deep shadows, and colors that seemed almost impossible to believe.

I came to photograph Antelope Canyon, but I left with something much more valuable creative inspiration.

As a mixed media artist, I’m constantly thinking about layers. Every painting I create is built over time using collage, paint, spray paint, stencils, texture, and marks that reveal pieces of what came before. Walking through Antelope Canyon, I couldn’t help but notice that nature creates in much the same way.

The sandstone walls look as though they’re made from thousands of sheets of paper pressed together over millions of years. Every curve, fold, and ripple tells part of a much larger story. The canyon isn’t smooth or perfect. Its beauty comes from the accumulation of time, pressure, erosion, and countless natural layers.

That’s exactly how I approach my artwork.

Instead of trying to hide every previous mark, I embrace it. Torn paper, vintage imagery, paint drips, graffiti-inspired textures, and hand-cut stencils all become part of the final piece. Just like the walls of Antelope Canyon, every layer contributes to the finished work.