Can Wildflowers Heal the Toxic Mess the L.A. Fires Left Behind?
I created a series of illustrations for Dana Goodyear’s article, “Can Wildflowers Heal the Toxic Mess the L.A. Fires Left Behind?” in National Geographic’s September 2026 issue.
The article explores how native wildflowers can help restore toxic soil left behind by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, and how the process of regrowth can bring a sense of hope and renewal to affected communities.
For the illustrations, I wanted to visualize that gradual movement from loss toward recovery. I used seed bombs and the growth of native plants as recurring elements, beginning with a more muted, fire-affected landscape and gradually introducing richer colors, new growth, and blooming wildflowers as the story unfolds.
I created a series of illustrations for Dana Goodyear’s article, “Can Wildflowers Heal the Toxic Mess the L.A. Fires Left Behind?” in National Geographic’s September 2026 issue.
The article explores how native wildflowers can help restore toxic soil left behind by the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, and how the process of regrowth can bring a sense of hope and renewal to affected communities.
For the illustrations, I wanted to visualize that gradual movement from loss toward recovery. I used seed bombs and the growth of native plants as recurring elements, beginning with a more muted, fire-affected landscape and gradually introducing richer colors, new growth, and blooming wildflowers as the story unfolds.