The Mother Nature Q&A with Hannah Bottino of the Artwork Collective
With the launch of our new green initiative, NatureNotes, we decided to celebrate with a range of unique environmental artwork. We caught up with the mastermind behind some of these pieces to get an insight into their process, inspiration and passion for the planet.
Firstly we caught up with the incredible Hannah Bottino @hannahbottino, an illustrator and designer based in Spokane, WA.
How did you get into the brief? Did you dig deep into research or go freestyle?
To start off this project, I researched One Tree Planted to learn more about the work they’re doing with reforestation. I also looked into the different trees and settings they’re found in.
What was your process for creating each piece?
I visited each place virtually with the google earth walking feature. On these virtual walks, I used my sketchbook to observe and draw the different trees.
After I got a feel for the locations and trees, I created my own landscape compositions, adding in a few animals to highlight that these environments are both beautiful places and homes to wildlife.
After working physically in my sketchbook, I worked on my iPad, using Adobe fresco to create the final pieces.
How did you decide on the types of trees to incorporate?
The illustrations I did are based on three types of trees from three different places in the world – the eucalyptus in Australia, redwoods in California and fir trees in Canada.
I’ve personally visited two of the three locations.
My dad and grandparents are from the Bay Area in California, so I’ve been able to visit the giant redwoods on and off while growing up.
The Canadian firs I tried to capture are in the lower British Columbia area. These trees are really dear to me. I’ve grown up in the Pacific Northwest, and the forest foliage in Canada is very similar to ours in Washington as the forests bleed into each other.
Sadly, I haven’t been to Australia. But it looks wonderful with all of its biodiversity and varied terrain.
Illustrator: Hannah Bottino
Do you have any sustainability tips or things you do?
I am by no means perfect, but I try to do a couple of things intentionally to do my bit.
Limiting my meat intake is one way I try to live a more environmentally conscious life. Last year I committed to a fully vegetarian diet, but before that, I started by eating meat only 2-3 times a week. As a whole, reducing meat consumption could go a long way in reducing carbon emissions.
The other part of my life I am trying to live with more intentionality is through my wardrobe. I try to thrift locally and buy from more ethical/sustainable clothing brands. In general, I also try to just buy less clothing.
I also try to keep up with environmental news and learn from smarter people than me who are advocating for our planet:
Here are some amazing environmental/ outdoor accounts I follow:
Podcasts:
Drilled
Hot Take
How to save a planet