#AntarcticLog is a series of comics by Karen Romano Young. You can find the originals here. 

#AntarcticLog was my primary project under the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers Program.  This week, a group of artists and writers from this program are doing something big, and I wanted to tell you about it.  

First, we’ve formed a collaborative: the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collaborative.  I’m so excited about it that I did a comic: 

Together, the core group of us will launch a virtual exhibit called Adequate Earth. Find out all about it here: https://www.aawcollective.com/adequate-earth-events

Through music, photography, film, writing, movement, and art, this group — some 70 strong — has in common their participation in this excellent program, which goes back decades.  And we share a passion for telling the story of Antarctic research:  the scientists, the research stations, the tools, planes, and vessels… most of all, the nature of Antarctica: its history, its mystery, its soul. The program began with Guy Guthridge: 

Among my personal favorite AAWs:  

• Jessica Grindstaff and Erik Sanko, whose work in Antarctica led to their production 69º South: http://phantomlimbcompany.com/productions#/69south
• Sara Wheeler, who wrote Terra Incognita: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/189552/terra-incognita-by-sara-wheeler/
• Greg Neri, and his forthcoming graphic nonfiction book,  Greetings from Antarctica: https://www.gregneri.com/antarctica

And another, Kirsten Carlson, collaborated with me on #AntarcticLog.  First, she saw this comic: 

And suggested I use the same false color on her black and white drawing of a left hand with one thumb stuck up — the “handy” map of Antarctica. Here’s the comic that resulted from our collaboration.  

I think the arts can do a lot to tell the story of Antarctica, don’t you? Please visit our exhibit, and enjoy some virtual wine and cheese as you browse. 

–Karen Romano Young is a writer, artist, deep-sea diver, and polar explorer. Follow her on Twitter & Instagram.