Hello Hubbard Brook Community,
My name is Raisa Kochmaruk, and I am a scientific illustrator who will be graduating
from Cornell in May. Some of you may remember me from the 2019 and 2020 annual Cooperators’ meetings - during last summer’s conference I presented a series of Black-throated Blue Warbler illustrations and spoke a bit about my work with the Cornell Museum of
Vertebrates. I am writing to let you know that I am currently planning a mural for the Hubbard Brook headquarters building. I’ll be painting a forest stream scene on a series of panels which will be mounted on the wall above the landing on the staircase. The
panels will be painted elsewhere on-site this summer.
My goal for this project is to represent the iconic species of Hubbard Brook to all
those who pass through that staircase: both your notable study species, as well as the common trees, birds, fish, amphibians, insects, mosses, etc. that you associate with the ecosystem. I also want to accurately depict the boulders/geologic formations that
are typical of the region.
In addition to your expertise on the species and systems of Hubbard Brook, you have
long standing knowledge of the unique character of the landscape. I am reaching out to you for your input and ideas today for both of these reasons.
There are a few pieces of information that will be massively helpful:
-
The name(s) of your study species, and a few good photos.
You can send photos to me directly (email:
rk497@cornell.edu,
number: 484-951-6559)
and add the name to this
spreadsheet. If you have the time, please let me know where your species would likely be within this scene.
Of course, I am also researching correct placement.
-
What are the iconic Hubbard Brook species that you regularly observe in July?
ALSO add these to the spreadsheet. If they seem too obvious, that’s exactly what I am looking for (e.g. hard to miss
red efts in early spring). I’m especially interested in the species you notice that are outside of your research focus.
-
Trees, shrubs, flowers, birds, mammals/signs of mammals, moths, amphibians, reptiles, EVERYTHING, please add them to
the
species list.
-
Do you have a
great photo of a brook
that is from a similar angle as the photos I’ve included below? This is to ‘capture the character’ of the boulders!
Please send me your photos by Tuesday, April 20th.
Thank you for your time and input. I look forward to meeting many of you in person
when I am at Hubbard Brook this summer!
Very best,
Raisa