I’ve been a little quiet, I know. But it’s to be expected. This week, I finished illustrations for Volcano Dreams—A Story of Yellowstone by Janet Fox, a lyrical nonfiction book about the Yellowstone supervolcano and the park’s fauna, which will be published by Web of Life Children’s Books on September 25th, 2018.
What a great experience! I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with or a more fun and challenging subject. I had a tight deadline on this project, which also took me to Yellowstone National Park in June for a week of research and observation. In 6 days, I visited nearly every part of the park, and most of them twice.
Marmot, Sheepeater Cliffs, Yellowstone NP Copyright © Marlo Garnsworthy 2017
What a place! If you have never been, I hope you’ll put it on your list. It’s no wonder Janet, who knows the park intimately, would be so inspired to write about it. I also had the lovely experience of staying with Janet in Bozeman, Montana, for a couple of nights, where we got to know each other and discussed the book. As we get closer to publication, I’ll share more about the creative process that has brought this book into being.
While I’ve had to put my Antarctica book project(s) aside, I’ve launch Polar Bird, my new science communication blog. It’s the natural out-springing of my work on the SNOWBIRDS Transect research cruise earlier this year, which was nothing short of life-changing. As well as documenting my adventures with scientists working in the field, I’m sharing what I’m learn about our extraordinary polar regions. I hope people will come to appreciate the icy poles even a fraction of how much I love them. I hope you’ll fly by and take a peek!
Adélie penguins on blue iceberg, Ross Sea, Antarctica Copyright © Marlo Garnsworthy
But I’m excited to return to my Antarctica book(s). Today, I cleaned out my office/studio (which meant recycling an embarrassing amount of paper) and prepared The Board.
The Board awaits!
The Board sits in my line of sight, a constant inspiration, reminder, and accountability tool for whatever I’m working on. I took down the storyboard and progress charts for Volcano Dreams. It will soon be filled with Post-it notes, inspirational pictures, and research-y bits and pieces. I can’t wait!