The social life of forests
Illustration for the article “The Social Life of Forests: Trees appear to communicate and
cooperate through subterranean networks of fungi.”
The article talked a lot about the partnership between trees, understory plants, and fungi and how their roots fuse together; how forests are an ancient and intricate society; and how communities of trees are knit together in a complex network that exchanges signals and resources.
Process
I started by making thorough notes on the article and listing any related words. After sketching trees’ roots being knit together, I knew I wanted to explore that idea further. That led me to the quilt design on the left.
I then took things into Illustrator to explore different geometries, trying to nail down how interconnected tree roots could turn into a classic quilt design. I landed on the design in the bottom right with the multi-colored quilt stars.
Next I focused on the composition, working in black and white to make sure there was enough contrast throughout the piece.
Last I colored everything in, my favorite part!