A Note from the Artist:

This print was inspired by a January hike after some fresh snowfall. I love a quiet walk in the snow. There is a certain stillness and silence unique to the woods covered in a fresh coat of white, as if the powder muffles all sound except the muted crunch of compacting fluff beneath my feet. Even the usual scurrying critters of the forest floor are tucked away in their burrows, leaving a quiet stillness in their absence.

The only movement and sound, other than my footsteps, comes from the birds calling from up above or while flitting from tree to tree. Their calls feel more clear and crisp in the snowy silence than ever before and I can identify my flying friends: the Cardinal, the Crows, the Chickadee, the Towhee, the Pileated Woodpecker, the Red-Tailed Hawk. I wish I knew what they were saying, but I like to think they’re rejoicing in the snowy glow too.

The wind blusters by and the bare trees sway, creaking as they wave hello like the elders they are. They hold a wisdom in these woods, knowing that this chill is necessary and will pass eventually. Defrosted days will return, then they can send their sap flowing back to their fingertips held high in the sky.

I too, know that defrosted days will return, and I worry. I worry because I know these silent snows will become more rare as the planet warms. I, like the trees, know that this frozen rest is necessary for many of our forest friends. I know it feels necessary for me, to slow down with intention, to rest and reset for the warmer, more active seasons ahead.

I walk and I wonder when I will see another silent snow like this again. I wonder how old I’ll be when I see it for the last time in these parts of Western Pennsylvania. Will I know it’s the last snow?

Before the sadness settles in too deeply, I take in a breath of frozen air and thank the snowflakes for the gift of their presence. I vow to greet them with a quiet walk together every time they return, because I never know when I’ll be graced with their beauty next.

I hope this print & story inspires you to embrace the winter season for its restful peace and inspires you to greet the snowflakes on their next return with a quiet walk filled with gratitude too.