1. Aquatic Appalachia RISO Animation

Throughout Appalachia, there is an abundance of aquatic life. Due to the small size of many freshwater environments, these species are often easily overlooked. I began this RISO animation series a few months after witnessing the powerful waters brought on by Hurricane Helene. In the storm’s aftermath, I found myself drawn to rivers and creeks, hopeful that Appalachia’s aquatic life were resilient against the floods.

I remember walking down a road in Banner Elk and seeing life surviving in the smallest of streams created by the storm. These were quiet signs of survival. I studied the patterns and forms of the Candy Darter, Brook Trout, and Elktoe Mussel to create this series. I chose these three species because each is either endangered or facing population declines.

I hope to honor these small surviving lives and invite others to notice the life thriving in the overlooked Appalachian waterways.

Candy Darter

Brook Trout

Elktoe Mussel

Print Samples