Cyd McCracken is an artist whose work is deeply rooted in the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Breathing in the essence of the forest, she draws inspiration from earth’s boundless palette, creating pieces that journey into realms where biology and mystery intertwine. From a radiant flower bloom to the shadowed skull of an extinct creature, her work explores the thematic dichotomy of light and dark. She invites viewers to contemplate the profound mysteries of existence and find solace in the enduring power of nature by imbuing her art with a touch of magic.

Hi! I’m a biologist turned artist with a impulse for collecting bugs, bones, and rocks. If I could describe my art with one word it would be whimsigoth. Never truly dark and gothic, but never fully fantasy either. There is a lot of influence from my biological background, which shows up as a semi-realistic style of drawing, like the essence of scientific illustration. My medium of choice is watercolor with pen and ink, however I do create digital works as well and I’m searching for a 3D medium that resonates with me time and time again. As a huge advocate for protecting and preserving the environment, my work will sometimes reflect social-ecological themes, but usually I just show the raw beauty and enduring power of nature. In addition, my work explores themes of dark and light through the use of bright and shimmery or dark and shadowy colors. As a lover of magic and fantasy, I will add dashes of witchy vibes and a curiosity for the odd to my pieces.

“There’s something magical about the natural world. She keeps secrets in her shadows, offers windows into the past, and if one listens carefully enough, she will tell her stories through the life flourishing within. She must be protected and loved, because we all come from nature and depend on her to live. And someday we will return to her again, giving life to the next.’’