Taconite is an iron-bearing sedimentary rock, a low-grade source of iron. Ground into a powder and subjected to magnets, the concentrated iron forms pellets. Taconite Tower and related gouaches were inspired by processing plants and ore shipping complexes along the north shore of Lake Superior. I was drawn to the many little houses within the structures and the relationships suggested by their relative positions within. Another related group of gouaches was inspired by martin houses and seasonal docks along the Upper Mississippi.
