After returning from my solo road trip across the United States, I found it rather overwhelming to decide what to start painting. So many experiences and images were packed inside of me. Because the Grand Canyon moves me deeply, I began there as I felt the greatest emotional impetus to attempt expression. I let the painting alone for some time before knowing if it needed more work. After moving to New Mexico and unpacking it from the crate about a year after it was painted, I was quite sure it was complete.