then, in edwards' work of the early 1980s, strong verticals and horizontals appeared across textured canvases. the physical presence of these dynamic works is compelling in itself, but there are also forms reminiscent of both natural and urban environments:linear elements may refer to tree trunks, horizons, rocks, rivers, cliffs, shorelines. and it has been noted that the gritty, rusted-industrial or bituminous looking surfaces of the paintings echo edward's experiences of twice renovating filthy, former commercial loft spaces in the soho and tribeca areas of new york.