United Nations Postal Administration.
Series of 6 postage stamps commemorating
The International Year Of Forests

My wish in illustrating and designing this series was to focus on a few points I thought were simple but key to our understanding of the vital links that trees and forests provide to life on earth.

MIGRATION AND PURIFICATION
The set showcases forests not only above ground but also underwater, as in the vast kelp forests of the Pacific, in tandem with the subject of Migration.
Many animals, large and small not only make their homes in our forests but also use them as way stations on their seasonal travels. Forests serve as points of navigation for birds, butterflies and other migratory species who use them to guide their way. Trees also play a vital role in the keeping of our bodies of water clean

TREES AS GUARDIANS OF THE EARTH-
This set illustrates a magical forest with it’s indigenous peoples and denizens. Forest peoples around the world have lived in harmony within these ecosystems. I have always loved how indigenous art reflects their vision of the spiritual and natural Worlds. We as “civilized” societies are now aware that trees aid in the prevention of soil erosion, by air and water and how they serve as natural barriers protecting our cities from harm during natural disasters while also providing us with clean air.
Some believe the earth itself is one living being, some call her Gaia, Mother Earth , Pacha Mama, You and I call her home. I have depicted her as a glowing ball of energy deep at our core.

PHARMACIES AND MAN +/-
These stamps are meant to illustrate our forests as untapped pharmacies, where many medicines and botanicals have been discovered. Only a fraction of the world’s forests have been analyzed before being cut down. Sadly, we are squandering what could be a repository for cures to some of the world’s ailments. The image continues in the lower area to depict the duality of man’s interdependence with the natural world but also darkly on man imposing his will/shape in it’s subordination for personal gain.

International Cancels