Kit Fraser @kitcadoodleâ contributed âThe Shark Ladyâ about Euginie Clark to Awesome âPossum 4, now on Kickstarter. Kit is a cartoonist living in New York. Her work can be found on The Nib, The Stranger, and in other publications and anthologies. She contributed to Awesome âPossum 3: âIntroducing Salmon.â
How did you pick your topic for Awesome âPossum? For this volume of Awesome âPossum, I knew I wanted to make a biographical comic about a scientist. I love learning about the natural world, but I often forget that behind this knowledge are many years of hard work and research by many passionate people, so I wanted to highlight one personâs work. Eugenie Clark stood out to me as a strong female scientist who overcame many obstacles that women (especially biracial women and women of color!) face in the field of science. She made deep impacts in the study of marine life and really blazed a trail for women who followed in her footsteps. I knew only a little bit about her when I began my proposal for Awesome âPossum 4, but it quickly became clear that she was a scientist everyone should know about! By featuring Clark, I hope some people are inspired to become more involved in studying the natural world or supporting those that do!
(The above image of Euginie Clark is copyright John Pendygraft)
What is your favorite animal or plant? My favorite plant (at the moment!) is hibiscusâbeautiful and edible!
Why do you think talking about nature is important? I think for many people nature can feel distant, but we are inextricably tied to the natural world. The more we talk about different species of animals, plants, and ecosystems, the more holistic our worldview is. By 2020, 67% of invertebrate populations will have gone extinct, as compared to numbers from 1970. Itâs clear that we are in a time where talking about nature and our relationship to it is essential, not just for the well being of our favorite animals, but for our own well being as a species.
What are your favorite drawing tools? I love using Sakura ink pens and I usually color with watercolor paints, but I also enjoy playing around with different mediums.
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