Rio Grande River Gorge Bridge

The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Oil on canvas, 48" x 60".
 
I recently attended The Hellene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos New Mexico as an artist in residency where artists are given studios, time away from home, and the chance to explore Northern New Mexico. While visiting and exploring the area, I discovered the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.  I had a feeling I would discover that bridge soon! The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is locally known as the "Gorge Bridge" and the "High Bridge." The magnificent structure boasts a steel deck arch bridge spanning the Rio Grande Gorge 10 miles northwest of Taos. The Rio Grande River -- over millions of years -- has sliced the terrain like an open sore scoring the earth wide open. I crossed the majesty of this bridge while breathing in its fascinating and inspiring ingenuity: Fascinated by the complex steel girders and geometric shapes that framed the landscape wedged and cling to the edge of the gorge over the Rio Grande River. There was nothing between me, my camera, and a 650-foot drop into the gorge except a chest-high guardrail!   It gave me a new and unusual point of view. The experience was much like stepping off the sidewalk and seeing the beauty and connection across a terrain with sunlight and shadows never seen before.