A Desert Muse
By Alina Lindquist
When in bloom, the desert globe mallow brings the Mojave floor to life with vibrant orange and red hues. It is a common misconception that the desert is desolate or devoid of life, but when stumbling upon natural gems like the globe mallow, it unveils the incomparable beauty of the landscape. Hop out of the car and walk along any trail in the southern part of Nevada. It may look barren from the road, but it is impossible to miss all the wonders and life of the desert that emerge when walking amongst it.
Whether it is the globe mallow that lures you in, or perhaps the yuccas and their pollinator moths, the occasional fox, desert tortoise, or numerous birds that call this slice of Nevada home—you can’t help but slow down to observe the intricate weaving of the insects, plants, and animals interacting with one another. The desert is all about knowing when and where to look, that is where the real magic resides.
The globe mallow can bloom throughout most of the year, but it is most remarkable in the spring. Seeing the desert floor speckled with bright patches of orange fills me with a sense of wonder. It makes me pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty beheld in these tiny orange flowers. The globe mallow are a reminder of the life that accompanies the desert, and why protecting these landscapes is so vital in preserving its beauty for all Nevadans present and future to appreciate.
Artwork by Alina Lindquist left to right: Grapevine Canyon Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, gouache on paper, 2024; Desert Moonrise, gouache on paper, 2024; and Desert Globemallow, oil paint, 2024.
Alina Lindquist is a Las Vegas-based artist whose work focuses on the Mojave Desert. She recently completed an artist residency at Great Basin National Park in summer 2024 along with her ongoing 2024 residency at the Mystery Ranch. Learn more about Alina Lindquist and her art at alinalindquist.com.
Photo courtesy of Alina Lindquist.