Through otherworldly graphite and ink, Juliet Schrekinger advocates for the protection of endangered species — Colossal



Artistic illustration

#animals #graphite #ink #Juliet Schrekinger #surreal

Photography has a drive for conservation, for locking up the fleeting and preserving it for future remembrance. Artist Juliet Schrekinger he references this act of protection in his ink and graphite works that evoke the grainy qualities of black-and-white film through a distinctly surreal vision.

Throughout her childhood, Schrekinger watched her mother take countless photos of family events and happenings which were then shown. « I have continually seen the most beautiful moments I’ve shared with loved ones framed in our home, colorless time capsules that I would look back to for years to come, » says the artist. « I started to feel a deep desire to recreate these kind of time capsules in my work, but I wanted to incorporate scenes that didn’t occur in this world. »

Mimicking the lighting and tonal contrasts of his mother’s images, Schrekinger’s renderings blend anatomical accuracy with the otherworldly. While many of his scenes are supernatural – a pangolin wraps its long, scaly tail around the torso of a fox, seabirds alight on the sinuous arms of a squid, and a band of hares appear to float in the sky – the animals are depicted in a rigorously details and the similarity of their fur, feathers and tentacles is the result of extensive research. “I have traveled up and down both the east and west coasts of the United States, taking my reference photos of birds, aquatic life, ocean environments, trees, and so much more that all end up being used as a starting point in the my work,” he tells Colossal, noting that when it’s impossible to use his own images, he collects five to ten photos to create a specific form.

« Peter the Pangolin and Fable The Red Fox of the Sierra Nevada »

Most of the animals featured in Schrekinger’s work are either endangered or vulnerable, and she is concerned about environmental destruction, habitat loss and the threat many species face as the world warms and climate change. Pangolinsfor example, it is believed to be the most trafficked non-human mammal, while the North Atlantic right whale it is one of the most endangered species, with fewer than 350 remaining worldwide. “Above all, I feel the most important aspect of what I do is to raise awareness for endangered and vulnerable species,” he says. « I feel it is my duty to use my art to promote awareness in our society of the grave problems facing those who have no voice. » In recent years, you have partnered with numerous conservation organizations such as the Pangeaseed and Surfrider foundations, to create works for greater protection.

Schrekinger, whose studio is located in Amityville, New York, is engaged in several group shows over the next few months, including Existential on display until May 21st at Horn Gallery in portland and upcoming shows with Modern Eden Gallery, Gallery of the unknown factoryAND Core Portland. He is also preparing for a solo exhibition which will open in October at Arts of the archenemy. You can find originals and prints at his siteand follow his latest works on Instagram. (through Beautiful Bizarre)

“William and the Seabirds”

Left: « Clara ». Right: « Hamlin »

“Oscar’s Lighthouse”

“Vasey the Vampire Squid and His Haunted Boathouse”

Left: « Horton ». Right: « Willy »

“Oscar and the Seagulls”

#animals #graphite #ink #Juliet Schrekinger #surreal

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