Emily Hester

In early childhood, I explored the woods and mountain terrain around my house, pretending to be a wildlife conservationist. Watching the crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, could only draw me from the outdoors. His exciting conservation efforts and display of unknown animal knowledge inspired my desire for more knowledge about the world around me, and those creatures who lived in it. This stage of my life was the foundation that fed my desire to create wildlife and botanical illustrations.

 

I create my illustrations through a mixed-media approach using gouache, oil crayons, and colored pencils. Live drawings play a fundamental step in my creation process, working out in nature to capture the colors, texture, and visual movement of each subject I draw.
 

 

Right now, I am working on an illustrated field guide that helps hikers identify edible botanical and fruit sources along the Appalachian Trial. I am also working on a Herbalist guide to foraging, connecting back with nature, and gardening for beginners. I believe having a visual aid with written descriptions can help people safely interact with nature.

Emily Hester has been inspired by the colorful world of conservation and gardening since her early childhood exploring the outside. Her grandma used to create small crafts with her, fueling her love for art and her desire to absorb as much knowledge about art as possible. In this pursuit, she earned her BFA in drawing and painting from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Emily works as a public education teacher but continues to create every day. She is currently an M.F.A Candidate in illustration at SCAD.