“I carry a sketchbook wherever I go, allowing me to capture witnessed scenes and ideas by making quick drawings, watercolor paintings and notes. Mostly, events and pictures unfold during daily routines, allowing me to keep detailed records on all the interesting, beautiful and surreal things that I experience.

Once back in the studio, these notes turn into paintings, prints and zines that show a sort of visual map, or narration, of my interactions from day to day. This open air-to-studio process of record keeping helps me create a more intimate relationship with my surroundings so I can make accurate representations of the places to which I am connected throughout the Pacific and Inland Northwest.

Paying homage to regional artists of the 20th century such as Amanda Snyder, Morris Graves and Charles Heaney, I want to continue their legacy of creating visual time capsules for our region and be a part of the story of the Northwest.”

www.nateorton.com / @nateorton.art