Summer Vaughn - 2022

Artist Statement

Cataract Canyon is a section of the Colorado River. It is 98 miles of deep canyons and the biggest whitewater in the country. Before the dam system was created, Cataract Canyon had close to 50 rapids in a 20 mile stretch. After the Glen Canyon Dam was created and sequentially Lake Powell, the last 20 something rapids were flooded and thought to be lost forever. However, Lake Powell was based on a high water year and will NEVER be full again. In the last year, Lake Powell has dropped 40 feet. This is due to climate change, the low snowpack and high temperatures and the greed of the desert west for water. As the water recedes the lost rapids of Cataract Canyon are returning. I was blessed with the once in a lifetime opportunity to row down Cataract Canyon for spring break. I experienced those returning rapids first hand. I have begun learning to linocut and wanted to create a piece that shows the simplicity and beauty of the canyon. I wanted to show the miraculous canyons that were once drowned. I picked linocut because I feel like there isn't a better medium than something so hands on and simple. I hope you feel as you look at it the same as it feels to be floating after a long day in the sun and water and remember that our rivers deserve as much protection as we can give them. They are truly the lifeblood of the earth.