Illustrating Tradition, Honouring Knowledge
Indigenous Peoples have knowledge about plant life that transcends academic study. To the Saulteau First Nations, plants are nutrition and medicine, as well as staples of ceremonial tradition. And their plant knowledge, passed down over so many lifetimes, is in danger of evaporating.
In 2023, Saulteau FN started compiling an ethnobotany book to document how their ancestors made use of native plants. Knowing that visual storytelling would be essential, they invited Curio’s Amanda Schutz to illustrate the book.
“I love learning about the natural world,” says Amanda. “This project also gave me an immense privilege to learn from Elders.”
Amanda was asked to deliver five plant communities, as well as an icon system and a “seasonal plant diagram” depicting the four seasons and the culturally-vital plants, food, medicines, and animals within each. Later, Curio was asked to design the entire book.
Amanda considers the client relationship to be the best thing to come from this experience.
“Seeing the client team all-smiles when they reviewed the final artwork was everything,” said Amanda. “At one point I had a call with the Elders and it was simply wonderful to hear they appreciate our work.”
Services
- Book design
- Educational illustration
- Art direction
BOOK DESIGN
EDUCATIONAL BOTANY ILLUSTRATIONS
