This wood block print depicts the relationship between the natural and built environment. Mount Rainier is shown to be greater than the city of Seattle below, whose magnificent Space Needle is diminutive in comparison. From this perspective, nature takes precedence over the human-built city-scape. The salmon, snail, sword fern, and trillium flower are presented as “larger than life” because they are essential species to the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. Cities may wax and wane, but mountains, and the species that call them home, endure.

Audrey is a sophomore studying environmental science and resource management at the University of Washington–Seattle. As avid weekend warrior, she spends as much of her time hiking in the Cascades with friends and her adventure pup.