Amy Kalisher

Connecticut, USA — nearest ocean:  Northern Atlantic
European Heritage, Older Adult (50 and over)

About the art

This is a work-in-progress. Every month or so I send a postcard-sized drawing of an insect to my young nephew, along with a written description about the life of that particular creature. Each delivery goes into the book I made for him. Made from salvaged materials, this cardboard book has 24 pages of plastic sleeves from an old photo album sewed inside. My hope in making this book was to educate and sensitize my nephew, as well as his parents, to the tiny, quiet, beautiful, and important creatures that are on the front lines of our environmental crisis. Since we live far apart from each other, this project also lets my nephew know that I am thinking of him and brings us closer to each other in spirit.

When I first posted about this project on social media I also sold prints of the bugs as a fundraiser for an environmental organization fighting for the well-being of insects and their habitat.

About the artist

I am an artist, writer, and graphic designer. I like making beautiful things out of trash. I also like spontaneous living room dance parties, growing my own food, and riding my bicycle.