The project was initially for University of Dayton Magazine in the US and entered into the CA Illustration Competition within the editorial category. Learning the shortlist news recently, we're anticipating announcements of the winners soon.
Becca gives some background on the original commission-
The illo is a two-layer linocut print for an article about Marianist nuns in Ohio who devote their lives to combating climate change by rewilding and conserving the prairie. The brief was for an opening spread illustration that could also be used on the magazine cover, and other than a focus on the phrase 'everything is connected', it was left open. I wanted the illustration to be a joyful celebration of nature, buzzing with life and movement. I researched priority prairie species, from grasses to birds, to give an accurate and diverse range of species, and I looked to tree of life imagery and traditional church kneelers for inspiration.