Peter Gooch's experience in Ethiopia, and the work he created, are far from depressing.

"Project Ethiope," on display in ArtStreet Studio D until Sept. 24, is a collection of paintings created as a result of Gooch's sabbatical. Gooch painted 30 works for the collection, most of which are displayed at the B. Deemer Gallery in Louisville, Ky.

"My work has always been about location," Gooch said. "It's less about the depiction of the place than it is the inspiration of the place."

Gooch traveled to Ethiopia for his sabbatical because he had been there before and was intrigued by the culture, especially the city of Lalibela, he said. Lalibela serves as the influence and title for one of Project Ethiope's three sections of paintings, which also include the Mekuamia and Boku paintings.

"I did pay attention to [Laibela's archeological spaces], but I found myself more affected by the quality of light," he said. "The light is very particular; I've never seen light like that anywhere. And the sunsets, they're freaking amazing."

Lalibela's atmosphere is thin and the sun shines directly on people, for Ethiopia is very close to the equator.

Gooch's interest in Ethiopian culture includes his interest in Bokus and Mekuamias, which are types of staffs, or walking sticks, used by many Ethiopians. According to him, Mekuamias are often used on pilgrimages and in rituals, and all are unique to their owner.

"The Mekuamias were really much a part of them," Gooch said. "They are handmade and very natural."

While the Mekuamia mainly belongs to members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Boku is a stick carried by the Oromo tribe. Gooch said the Boku is a mark of authority within the age-conscious tribe.

Gooch's exhibition will end with a reception at 4 p.m. in Studio D on Sept. 21. There will be free food and drinks and an opportunity to meet the artist.

"He's devoted to his craft; he's meticulous," said Susan Byrnes, ArtStreet's director, of Gooch. "This collection really displays his interest in Ethiopian culture. It looks beautiful in the ArtStreet space, and I'm very excited to have an entire show of a faculty member's work."