Nature-inspired, hand-crafted cutout and stencil art with a Japanese folk art aesthetic by Mayuko Fujino
Slide show: Making Process of American Robin Flock in Flight for Audubon Magazine's Aviary
PhotoS (c) Luke Franke / National Audubon Society
Beakuency Art Zine Presentation
Despite the divisive times we live in, polls show that Americans are fairly united on environmental issues. I’ve seen this firsthand as a member of the birding community here in Columbia County, which already has a history of working together across party lines on local conservation efforts. I choose this narrative, right here in front of me, to define my world, rather than the divisiveness imposed on us. We need to start pushing more for such an alliance from the bottom up, working with one another to find one thing we can agree on despite other differences.
Birds create such a powerful connection for us. This connection is what I celebrate through this art zine Beakuency: Meet Bird People in Columbia County! It features a series of my interviews with local birders, conservationists, scientists, farmers and a historian, and new illustrations inspired by their stories. Topics include citizen science projects, birding tips, and actions community members can take to help local birds.
In this presentation, I will discuss this zine project, and explore the power of 'folk', the thread that has connected bird conservation efforts, the Mingei Japanese folk art movement, and my own work as an artist.
North Chatham Free Library
4287 Route 203 North Chatham, NY 12132
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the NY State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NY State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts.
Sunday October 26, 2025 3pm
I am available for commissions!
I have 10+ years of commercial illustration experience with clients including: Nature Conservancy, Williams-Sonoma, Resurgence Trust, Atlantic Magazine, Cricket Magazine, Condé Nast, and Charles Schwab. I am represented by IllustrationX with agents on four continents. Please contact them for commission inquiries.
