Screen Print • Fine Art • Photography • CMYK Separation • Exhibition Work
Entomophily means ‘the pollination of plants by insects’ which became the foundation for this large-scale screen print series. Created during a 16-week residency at Martha Street Studio through the INKUBATOR program, this project explored the intersection of photography, illustration, and traditional printmaking. The series culminated in a public gallery exhibition, featuring seven prints anchored by a 24 × 30 inch centrepiece.
The work began with original photographs taken throughout the summer in Winnipeg gardens, focusing on plants that sustain pollinators. Drawing from my background in garden design and experience working in gardens, the concept evolved into a study of interconnected ecosystems. The objective was to translate organic complexity into a structured, symmetrical composition balancing scientific observation with expressive illustration.
Each photograph was separated into CMYK channels and used as the foundation for hand-drawn layers. Over 120 individual botanical and insect elements were meticulously illustrated, traced, and refined before digitization. Transparency, alignment, and colour interaction were carefully considered at every stage. The final centrepiece required multiple screens and precise registration. It took eight attempts to achieve the final print. The mandala-inspired composition symbolizes the unity of insects and flowers functioning as one continuous system.
The result is a highly detailed, large-scale screen print that merges photography, illustration, and traditional production methods. Printed on vellum, the layered CMYK process creates depth, translucency, and unexpected colour interaction. No two prints are identical. This project marked my first exhibition-scale work and represents a turning point in both technical discipline and creative ambition.
Tools Used: Adobe Photoshop, Traditional, CMYK Separation, Hand Illustration, Screen Printing
