Artist Statement: This series of illustrations depicts varying candid moments of people interacting with the environment of edgelands. I chose to create digital illustrations on top of photographs with the intent to convey a sense of detachment; to portray the digital presence we have had to take on since the first lockdown hit over a year ago.

For each illustration I drew inspiration from my own memories to which many can easily relate. These range from climbing trees, to fooling around with friends, to quiet strolls with loved ones. Moments like these have been frequent and fleeting in my life, and even taken for granted. It wasn’t until I walked the empty trails that I realized how much I missed these interactions and how significant they really are.

There is something about better understanding edgleands specifically that heighten these experiences. You do not realize it until you’re standing alone at the base of a ‘perfect’ climbing tree that there is nobody there to give you a boost onto the lowest hanging branch.