Qualla Boundary in Surreal Light is a 17.5 by 24-inch gouache painting that explores the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, through a lens that blends Surrealism, Fauvism, and Impressionism. This landscape captures rolling hills rendered in a palette of blues, purples, and pinks, with deeper, richer tones in the foreground that gradually soften as the land recedes. Near the top center, a large yellow sun rises or sets, spreading a warm glow that mingles with streaks of orange, pink, and purple across the sky. The expressive brushwork creates a fluid sense of movement, emphasizing depth and evoking a dreamlike atmosphere.

This piece takes its inspiration from the region’s natural beauty and complex cultural history, specifically the Qualla Boundary—the homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This area, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of the few places where Cherokee culture remains deeply rooted. The painting also reflects on the broader history of the Five Civilized Tribes: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole nations. Despite their adoption of certain European-American practices and peaceful ways, they faced forced removal from their ancestral lands in the Southeast, an event marked by profound loss on the Trail of Tears.

Working with gouache allowed me to balance vibrant opacity with fluidity, creating layers that bring energy and texture to the composition. The interaction between cool and warm colors helps highlight the contrast between the rolling hills and the glowing sky, reinforcing the sense of place and memory embedded in this landscape. The painting invites viewers to consider not only the natural environment but also the enduring spirit of the people for whom this land is home.

Qualla Boundary in Surreal Light continues my exploration of landscapes that carry layered histories, where geography and cultural identity intersect. Through this work, I aim to express both the beauty and the resilience woven into this corner of the Appalachian Mountains.