Paintings, 1989–1994: From the late 80s to the mid 90s I continued with abstract symbolism and creatures and forms from nature. I was influenced by my study of shamanism as part of an ongoing fascination and investigation of spiritual systems. Shamanism is an earth-centered belief system with spirit allies from the animal world. These joined my personal symbols of mind states and added spirit energy. The sphere of the self became the coiled snake, my power ally in the spirit world and my presence in the work. Nature became my inspiration, celebration, and joy.