“Twin Peaks” was his ultimate portrait of a land of terror and beauty.

David Lynch, the prolific artist and filmmaker who created the television show “Twin Peaks,” died Thursday, four days before his 79th birthday. His early childhood in the Inland Northwest left a lasting impression on his psyche.

David Lynch, the American filmmaker, writer and artist who scored best director Oscar nominations for "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man" and "Mulholland Drive" and co-created the groundbreaking TV series "Twin Peaks,