The “Pele Moon” artwork holds a deeply personal and emotional significance. It was created as a tribute to my sister and her unborn daughter, who tragically passed. This piece reflects the connection between my sister and her son, capturing a cherished memory of their time together in the Arizona desert. The artwork symbolizes resilience, love, and the enduring bond between mother and child.
Project Overview
Objective: To create a unique and meaningful illustration that honors my sister’s love for her children and the special moments she shared with her son while walking in the desert.
Scope: The project involved creating a digital illustration that incorporates elements of the Arizona desert, a celestial theme, and the warmth of familial love.
Design Process
Concept Development
I wanted the illustration to be deeply symbolic and personal. The design combines:
- Desert Landscape: The iconic cacti and rugged terrain of Arizona provide the backdrop, reflecting my sister’s love for her home state.
- Celestial Elements: The moon and stars symbolize guidance, hope, and connection to the spiritual realm.
- Family Connection: The composition highlights the tender moment of my sister walking with her son, signifying strength and unity.
Artistic Style
I opted for a warm and earthy color palette, using soft tones to evoke a sense of calm and reflection. The illustration features:
- A hand-drawn, textured style to convey an organic and heartfelt feel.
- A balance between detailed foreground elements and a serene, expansive background to draw the viewer’s focus.
Digital Tools
The illustration was created using digital tools that allowed me to experiment with textures, layering, and lighting effects. I aimed to achieve a harmonious blend of realism and stylization, making the piece both personal and visually impactful.
Final Artwork
The completed “Pele Moon” illustration captures:
- Emotional Depth: The interplay of warm colors and soft textures creates an intimate and contemplative mood.
- Symbolism: Each element—from the moon to the desert flora—holds significance, telling a story of love, loss, and resilience.
- Uniqueness: The artwork is a one-of-a-kind tribute, designed specifically to resonate with my sister and honor her journey.
Learning Outcomes
This project taught me the power of art as a medium for storytelling and healing. It allowed me to:
- Translate Emotion into Design: Channel deep emotions into a visual narrative that is both personal and universally relatable.
- Refine Artistic Techniques: Experiment with digital tools to achieve a textured and layered composition.
- Create Meaningful Work: Reinforce my belief in the transformative impact of art, both for the creator and the audience.
Conclusion
“Pele Moon” is more than an illustration; it is a testament to love, memory, and the enduring spirit of family. It represents my ability to create meaningful, heartfelt designs that resonate on a personal level. This piece will always hold a special place in my portfolio as a symbol of connection and creativity.
Silvia Pizarro McCants | UX & Graphic Design Portfolio
