Yellow-Bellied Marmot II

2023, Collage with Linoleum Block Elements on Hanji

36.75 x 24.75 inches

This collage celebrates the Yellow-Bellied Marmot, a species found from southwestern Canada through the western United States, including the Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Black Rock Desert, where they spend much of their time sunning and nearly 80% of their lives in burrows during long winter hibernation. This print was inspired by a piece I created for the Burning Man festival in 2023, commissioned for the Man Pavilion, where the theme ANIMALIA led me to research species in the Black Rock Desert facing extinction or habitat loss. The Yellow-Bellied Marmot is also connected to Numu bands, including the Northern Paiute Kidütökadö (Gidu Ticutta), whose name reflects their relationship to this animal. Through this work, I aim to raise awareness about desert creatures and encourage a deeper connection to the ecosystem so we can better protect and care for it.