I am a freelance illustrator originally from Syracuse. This poster was inspired by my love of the plants, creatures, and spaces here in Syracuse.
My work is deeply embedded in a love for the natural world and a respect for it. I think those seeds were planted as a kid exploring swamps and forests here in Syracuse. The amount of biodiversity here is really incredible, and the amount of hiking and exploring you can do is too. The trails featured in the poster are my favorite hiking spots and the plants and organisms shown all occur here in the Syracuse region.
When I read the poem, it connected to that nostalgic love I have for our natural spaces. I wanted to communicate the vibrancy and exuberance that comes with our biome here in Syracuse.
These old—growth giants
feel our footsteps pass and fade.
This world, theirs once more.