South Korean illustrator Yoli has dedicated her artistic practice to documenting the natural world through detailed field notes and illustrations, hoping to inspire others to develop a deeper connection with nature. Based on Jeju Island, South Korea's largest island and a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its volcanic geology and lava formations, Yoli draws inspiration from the extraordinary landscapes that surround her island home.
Yoli's creative process begins with careful outdoor observation and exploration. "I spend my time observing and recording the changes in nature through Korea's four seasons," she explains. Armed with binoculars, she embarks on slow, contemplative walks where she watches birds and explores their natural habitats. During these excursions, she encounters various forms of wildlife, from ants climbing trees to lizards quickly disappearing into the grass, finding that "there is always a new scene unfolding before my eyes, and in those moments, I feel a quiet sense of peace."
As she travels through diverse environments including rock pools, blossoming trees, and vegetable patches, Yoli photographs the small details she notices in the natural landscapes along her journey. Her documentation process is thorough and reflective: "At the end of every walk, I write a short reflection and create an illustration based on what I experienced." She employs a combination of traditional and digital techniques, using acrylic markers on paper alongside digital drawing methods to create soft, simple, earthy compositions that capture the essence of her outdoor experiences.
The artist's work spans multiple seasons and environments, as evidenced by her diverse portfolio including pieces titled "Forest Scent," "Birds," "Autumn," "Summer Flower," "Go Find," "Cow Farm," "Squirrel," "Summer Valley," "Lake Toya," and "Walking Slowly." These works, created between 2023 and 2025, showcase her consistent dedication to documenting the natural world across different times and locations.
Yoli's artistic philosophy is deeply influenced by environmental literature, particularly Rachel Carson's "The Sense of Wonder," which she considers one of her favorite books. The message of Carson's work closely aligns with Yoli's own artistic mission. "A deeper love for nature can bring people together to protect it," she shares, reflecting the environmental advocacy aspect of her work.
Through her illustrated nature notes, Yoli aims to bridge the gap between art and environmental awareness. Her ultimate goal extends beyond personal artistic expression to community engagement and environmental stewardship. "I hope my work encourages other people to grow curious about nature and to step outside and explore it for themselves," she states, positioning her art as an invitation for viewers to develop their own relationships with the natural world and potentially become advocates for its protection.
