Year - 2023 · Size - 23 x 30 cm / 9 x 11¾ in · Medium - Ink, pencil and watercolour on paper

After leaving the scenic river town of Lillooet I crossed the river and drove south east through the mountains, passing enormous plumes of smoke from a wildfire burning on the slopes of Stein Mountain. As the journey continued east the mountains became smaller and drier, the road turning off the main drag and entering the Nicola Valley, hugging the river and passing through Indian reservations. The day was hot and dry and I was desperate for a swim, so I found a nice big bend in the river and pulled in for a dip and an explore.

Following the river upstream on foot I rounded the bend and stumbled upon a hidden derelict train tunnel — later I would learn it was known as Clapperton Tunnel — running for 100 metres through the centre of a rocky outcrop at a sharp bend in the river. The stonework on the ends was impressive and its concrete walls adorned with graffiti experiments from many hands over many years. After exploring its length I waded back across the river, found a perch on the opposite bank and painted the haunting wildfire-scarred landscape before me.