Karen Talbot

Materials: soft bodied acrylic paints Bio: Karen Talbot is a fulltime scientific illustrator best known for her work with fishes. Based primarily on fieldwork, her scientific illustrations and fine art bring the beauty of the natural world into a space where people may be inspired to discuss the conservation of species and the ecosystems they inhabit. She lives in Rockland with her husband, science writer Ret Talbot. Statement: I am so happy to participate in ArtFeeds this year. In part, this is because, as a scientific illustrator, my work is firmly based in community, conservation and sustainability—all traits embodied and promoted by AIO since its founding in 1990. My work involves creating accurate representations of species to be used in identification guides, scientific journals, museum signage, and the like. In most cases, my illustrations are used by communities of people—birders, divers, hikers, and the like—who care deeply about the ecological communities they treasure and in which they live and recreate. It is my hope that my illustrations, and the illustrations of other scientific illustrators (my community), help people become better observers of the natural world and provide new lenses that promote an important dialog about the conservation of species and the habitats those species inhabit. When we see the world through new lenses, we have an opportunity to help create a more sustainable planet. I’m looking forward to my ArtFeeds bowl becoming a different kind of lens through which this community might consider the rich marine ecosystem that is such a part of life here in Midcoast Maine, while at the same time supporting the vision of a hunger-free community.