deep impression

I read and write to make sense of the world. Reading helps me experience the hearts and minds of others, so that I can better understand points of view that differ from or are similar to my own. Writing helps me “use my words,” advice we sometimes give our young ones to help them speak their minds.

I also like being out in the world with my phone, using the camera to take photos that bear witness to my interactions with flowers, trees, stones, creatures, buildings, bridges, and so forth.

“Phototext” is my name for the section on my website where I pair an excerpt from a work I’ve read with one of my photos. I’ve found the process intriguing; image informs text, text changes image. There is something exploratory and conversational about it that I love.

My most recent set of Phototexts has been from our book, Creature Needs. It’s been amazing to interact in this particular way with the book, from beginning to end. Below is one example.

Susan Tacent - Writer in Residence

Things to be inspired by - Mentorship Spotlights

Trevor Coopersmith @trevor.coopersmith - 2024-25 Mentee - recently shared this update about his mentorship project:

—— “This project, ”Future Artifacts” explores themes of extinction, fossilisation, overconsumption, and death. I’m creating imagined realities and boundary objects by blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. These works encourage a deeper exploration into the natural world, alongside questioning the unknown realities we exist in.”

“Haptic” from “Future Artifacts” by Trevor Coopersmith

Tanisha Negi - 2024-2025 Mentee & 2025 Scholarship Recipient - recently launched @zed.tells “Project Tenfa: a Token of Love for People and the Environment”:

—— “Project Tenfa is an art-driven initiative to preserve and reimagine intergenerational knowledge of biodiversity in Kinnaur, Western Himalayas. Through engaging with scientists, conservationists, and community elders, Tanisha sought to understand the significance of local biodiversity and its deep-rooted connections to culture and ecology. These conversations led her to create audio-visual stories, zines, and illustrations that weave together diverse narratives of the region’s vulnerable flora and fauna.”

Zine Cover by Tanisha Negi

Things to look forward to

Mentorship Workshop 2025

DATES: August 3 & 10, 2025
TIME: 10 AM ET to 2 PM ET
INSTRUCTOR: Derek Russell, Mentorship Director

Our Mentorship Workshop serves as the catalyst for creative ideas embedded within the collaborative process. Through a series of case studies, participants will design and develop artistic responses as groups with the support of Mentors and leading experts who work in wildlife conservation.

The workshop is an all-day intensive, from 10 AM ET to 2 PM ET. It will be hosted on two dates: August 3 and 10, 2025. Participation is mandatory for Mentee candidates. Interested participants from time zones where in-person participation is not possible may request to take the workshop asynchronously.

Prospective Mentees will be invited to apply for the full Mentorship Program, following successful participation in the workshop.

The Mentorship Workshop is open to any artist, designer, writer, or other creative as well as experts with scientific or traditional knowledge, regardless of whether they intend to join our Mentorship Program proper.

Visit this link to download the full Mentorship Program Packet.

Chat With Us - Mentorship Q&A, hosted by Derek Russell, Mentorship Director

Format: Two live sessions, online via Zoom

Date: July 15, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM or 9:00 PM ET

Mentorship at Creature Conserve is a support system for artists, designers, writers, and experts with scientific and traditional knowledge, as they collaborate and explore the human connection to nature, creating new art-sci pathways to a healthier world for all creatures.

Mentorship runs from October through the end of March and occurs exclusively online.

Participants from all countries and backgrounds are welcome to apply - our program is conducted in English. Access to the internet and digital comprehension are essential and required. Participants receive free, unlimited access to our online workshops for a full year.

Questions? Please reach out to Derek mentorship@creatureconserve.com or sign up for our Chat with Us - Mentorship Q&A.

Fundamentals Workshops: Any Time, Any Place

We designed our Fundamentals Workshops so you can take them at any time and in any place, and work at your own pace. They are a great way to join our community. Each of the six Fundamentals Workshops includes a series of brief video recordings paired with a workshop guide. They are presented by Creature Conserve Program Leaders and invited experts

Creature Needs: Do you have your copy yet?

Published by University of Minnesota Press. Edited by Christopher Kondrich, Lucy Spelman, and Susan Tacent with illustrations by Franco Zacha. Cover artwork by Lisa Ericson. Watch the book trailer co-created by Lizzie Brown and Deanne Fernandes.

Anything you want to share?

We would love to hear from you. You can reach us via email at the following:
connect@creatureconserve.com
media@creatureconserve.com

This newsletter is sent from the land of the First Peoples of Northeastern North America, including the Narragansett Nation.