Jessica Anne Riley

An illustrative exploration into the declining population of Maui dolphins

This practice-driven artistic project takes the form of a forty-eight-page illustrated storybook, exploring the conservation of Maui dolphins. In an ever-changing world, it is easy to forget to appreciate the true and raw beauty of the environment, and the creatures that reside within. Maui’s Call illustrates a day-in-the-life style storyline, that intertwines the horrific daily hardships that Maui dolphins face, with notes that speak to their curious and quirky personalities. The opportunity arose to explore different analogue methodologies including water-colour art and resolved sketches, to preserve that authentic beauty that Maui dolphins emit. The physical processes allow for digital layering to create depth to the environment, and allow for different perspectives of the marine environment to be shown including deep underwater. This project aims to inspire and evoke an emotional response from the reader, and urge them to do their part in protecting our endemic dolphins, for future generations to come.