Virginia Gabaldo Willis draws inspiration from both ancient and modern cultures and their interactions with the natural forces that shape the land. Her work channels the passage of time into a waterfall, cascading crystalline water over layers of life—reflecting the earth’s natural process of stratification. These layers not only foster the growth of seeds but also preserve geological records that trace back to the planet’s origins. Through diverse forms and textures, she explores this phenomenon in surreal landscapes embedded deep within the earth’s strata. Many of her pieces reveal cross-sections that invite deeper examination, exposing a delicate balance between vulnerability and protection. Encased in a crystalline outer layer, her works offer glimpses into ancient layers of the earth, long buried by time. They serve as reminders of the paradox of human existence—our late arrival in geological time, yet our profound ability to leave a lasting impact in such a brief span.Willis specializes in reverse-painted glass bas reliefs, a process that begins with slumping up to three layers of glass over sculptural forms in a large kiln. After firing, she paints the back surface of the glass using a unique sedimentation process that incorporates powdered semi-precious metals, titanium, mica, and rare pigments. This technique mimics natural geological processes, re-creating the sedimentation, evaporation, and desiccation that occur in the flooding of dry lakebeds.In addition to her glasswork, Willis explores the concept of time through encaustic painting on wood. Heat plays a crucial role in both her glass and encaustic works, representing a primordial force that simultaneously creates and destroys. When melted, encaustic paint takes on the appearance of liquid glass, allowing her to manipulate it into intricate forms and textures. As it cools, it becomes semi-translucent, radiating a luminous warmth that imparts a sense of age, space, and time. Layer by layer, she builds compositions that reflect the mysticism of geologic time, natural earth processes, and humanity’s relationship with them.Born in Argentina, Willis immigrated to Los Angeles as a child and grew up surrounded by artists in a stained glass studio. While deeply influenced by the craft of stained glass, it was the kiln—and the magic of its unpredictable transformations—that truly captivated her. The element of surprise in the firing process became a central theme in her work, inspiring her to experiment with heat, texture, and layered materials. She went on to earn a B.S. in Geology and a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Southern California. After working as a geologist for several years, she transitioned full-time into her artistic career, merging scientific insight with creative expression.Willis lives near Joshua Tree, where the dramatic desert landscape and rugged beauty provide continual inspiration for her work. She has exhibited and taught extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Argentina. Her work is included in numerous permanent collections, including the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe, where it hangs in the dome.