"I expected to arrive with a crazy jet lag and have this feeling of being like a total stranger in a faraway land with gorillas and exotic animals, and bustling markets with colorful textiles everywhere. All those things were very true. The people are warm and friendly and take so much pride in their community. It’s literally impossible to find any piece of litter anywhere on the streets. It’s quite amazing and strange actually. One of my local guides told me that the first Saturday of every month, every citizen of the country has to do community service to beautify their local areas.

Early on in my trip I visited the Genocide Memorial, which was a very emotional part of understanding the history and tragedy of what happened in Rwanda in the 90’s. It gave me an understanding on how the people have forged ahead and rebuilt this beautiful thriving country. Later on during my trip I was also able to secure a permit with a local guide to trek a family of gorillas in the wild inside Volcano National Park. It was a humbling and amazing experience to be in the presence of such magnificent creatures that we share so many similarities with. This entire day is a memory I will never forget.

The artwork for my two print editions are inspired by my experiences and observations inside of the Akagera National Park. Before leaving for my trip I knew that going on a safari in this National Park in the southern region of Rwanda was one of the experiences I wanted to have. I was able to see all kinds of wildlife, grazing and roaming free all over the park. Elephants in the marsh, giraffes walking in a group, hippos and baboons and so many birdlife around the lake, and even white rhinoceros early at sunrise. It was like being inside of the Lion King movies."