Miraculous Staircase Metal Print

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This is what is known as the Miraculous Staircase inside the Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This chapel was constructed from 1873 to 1878, the first Gothic structure built west of the Mississippi. It was built for the Sisters of Loretto, the first nuns to come to New Mexico. According to legend, the architect who designed the chapel was murdered before the chapel was finished. With no plans for a staircase to reach the choir loft, the sisters prayed for help. Soon, an unknown carpenter arrived and built this amazing spiral staircase with 2 360 degree turns and no central or visible support. He left without pay and never gave anyone his name. His identity remains a mystery. Description above courtesy of Travel Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque Access published by Harper Perennial.

My personal connection with art started as a child living on a farm along historic Route 66 and the Canadian River. My mother had art talent as well, but like me, she never had any training. It wasn't until after her death that we discovered some drawings of hers from middle school. So I owe her for my interest in many forms of art. Living on the farm adjacent to the Canadian gave her the chance to teach us all about nature and the wonders to be found in the woodlands and streams. I grew to appreciate and care for all living things and that ultimately led me to photography. My first camera was an old Kodak box camera using 620 film. Our first family trip farther than Oklahoma City was to Montana when I was about 14 years old. I shot...