Yo Li’s illustrated notes from nature are an invitation to step outside and explore

The aim of Yo Li’s illustration practice is really quite simple: “I spend my time observing and recording the changes in nature through Korea’s four seasons,” they tell us. Based on Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island and a world heritage site for its volcanic geology and lava, the creative’s home is surrounded by sea and has no shortage of extraordinary landscapes.

Yo’s creative process always starts with a venture outdoors: “with binoculars in my bag, I head out on slow walks, watching birds and exploring their surroundings. I also come across smaller lifeforms — ants climbing trees or lizards quickly disappearing into the grass,” they share. “There is always a new scene unfolding before my eyes, and in those moments, I feel a quiet sense of peace.”

As the illustrator passes, rockpools, blossoming trees and vegetable patches amongst other delights on their adventures, they take photographs to frame all the small details that they notice in the natural landscapes they pass along the way. At the end of every walk, “I write a short reflection,” they say, “and create an illustration based on what I experienced,” using a mixture of acrylic markers on paper and digital drawing techniques to create their soft, and simple earthy compositions.

One of Yo’s favourite books is The Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson, as its message closely reflects one of their own hopes — “that a deeper love for nature can bring people together to protect it”, they say. “Ultimately I hope my work encourages other people to grow curious about nature and to step outside and explore it for themselves."