I’m a big fan of unique illustrated maps, as you probably know. So, I was very excited when I came across the work of Wendy Gold, who works solely on maps and globes. Ranging from globes depicting Where the Wild Things Are, to maps illustrated with butterflies, Wendy’s work is a welcome treat for the eyes. Enjoy!
Why maps and globes?
I’ve always been fascinated by how huge the world is… maps and globes are not only a visual representation where things are in the world, each one is also beautiful, unique, and represents a period in our world history.
Let’s talk about process. What are the steps you take to create each piece?
Sourcing globes and maps that inspire me, letting inspiration strike, creating the artwork, applying it to map or globe so it looks seamless, finishing or printing.
What inspires your work?
Sometimes the inspiration comes from coloration and typography of the maps and globes i find, and sometimes a theme comes to mind and I search far and wide to find a globe or map that will be the perfect background to bring the theme to life.
What do you hope your maps and globes say to the viewer?
My goal is to take old, outdated maps and globes and turn them into beautiful and revenant “new worlds” in the most environmentally sensitive way i can.
You can see more of Wendy’s work on her site.
I personally love illustrated, unique maps… Do you? Which of Wendy’s maps or globes are your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
I really enjoyed this post and the work by Wendy Gold; the first map is the one that leapt out: “Le monde est notre jardin” (the world is our garden). Thanks!
“Le monde est notre jardin” is one of my favourites too (along with the Where The Wild Things Are globe)!