Exploring in the Arizona Desert

Something was drawing me to the desert.

I found myself constantly daydreaming of Arizona, mixing my own memories with fantasies. We have cacti and heat here in Florida but there is no mistake that the Sonoran Desert is a vastly different world. Deciding I couldn’t ignore the pull I bought a ticket and hopped on a MD-80 to Tucson, a heavy bag of art supplies in tow. My latest "inspiration exploration" trip had begun.

Stepping out of the airport the air entered my lungs with ease, a glorious contrast to the humid air of the Gulf. The Southwest greeted me with enthusiasm, its dry winds whipping through palms. All over town the yellow blooming Palo Verde Trees celebrated my arrival. Yes, I had made the right decision to come here.

My mind went wild soaking in all the sites. While I have been to Tucson many times, I had never come with the sole mission to gather inspiration for my artwork. This time, I meant business.

Spring Blooming Arizona Palo Verde Tree in Desert Landscape

The first day I went hiking in the wash, a dry riverbed that only fills during monsoon season. I descended one boot at a time, careful of the crumbly earth underfoot. Thanks to recent rains the surrounding desert was in full bloom. Alien looking cacti boasted vibrant flowers worthy of crowning Frida Kahlo.

Making my way through rough terrain forced me to stay in the moment. I paused to listen to the skittering of something across the rocks and pray it was not a rattler but a lizard. An old wire fence divided the wash from where cattle used to roam in the shadows of the Catalina Mountains. While the cattle were nowhere to be found the natives were out in force.

I was hardly alone on this hike as my wildlife was my constant companion. I startled a black-tailed Jack Rabbit who escaped me, ears erect as a sailboat bobbing in the a dry sea. An infinite number of quail scooted around with their "pompom-esque" chicks in tow. Other winged creatures, from hummingbirds to hawks, swooped across my path riding arid waves as colonies of white moths played in the shade of dead trees.

The desert is often described as a desolate place. It is harsh to be sure, but I found it teeming with life.

San Pedro Cactus Ink Drawing by Kara Valentino Ffield

Catalina Mountains and Oro Valley Desert

Desert Black Tailed Jack Rabbit Painting by Kara Valentino Ffield

You could spend an entire lifetime studying what this ecosystem holds. At the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum of Arizona, just outside Saguaro National Park, I got the condensed version. With 97 curated acres the museum exists as beautiful hybrid of zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum and aquarium. All resident animals are natives of the Sonoran Desert. I spent hours exploring alongside my (equally animal-loving) cousin, her 6 month-old, and a Barrio Blonde Ale from the museum’s refreshment shop.

1200 unique plant species are used in the landscaping as a live exhibit. The "manicured" gardens include an Agave Garden, Cactus Garden, and Pollination Garden. Wandering the grounds was such a treat it made me want to run to the closest nursery to stock up on all things xeriscaping.

Nothing inspires me more than nature. My artwork, cooking, and, of course, gardening are rooted firmly in the outside world. Weaving the natural world into daily life makes you feel more alive. Since this little expedition I've added a cactus to my studio and hung a landscape painting I purchased while in Tucson. These mementos remind me of the times I’ve spent exploring while subtly urging me everyday to adventure more.