Butterflies and Moths

Artist Statement

The wildlife of the taiga biome and its bordering ecotones has always evoked wonder in me. Residing within vast northern landscapes, these creatures are adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth. Often unseen, some rise only when it’s dark, while others vanish into their surroundings through camouflage.

In the Taiga Series, I seek to capture this sense of wonder. I create graphite drawings and traditional mixed media pieces that depict these creatures in imagined scenes, using the soft, shadowy texture of graphite to accentuate their ethereal nature, and pastels, colored pencils, and textiles to bring the vivid colors and textures of their world to life. Through a personal visual language of patterns and symbols, I depict not just their physical presence but also the emotions, memories, and meanings they inspire in me, which at times draws me to place them in settings different from the taiga or alongside humans.

As a whole, the series portrays an alternate taiga-like reality where nature and human imagination intertwine, reflecting my deep appreciation for these creatures and the ways I connect to them.