Maps as Conversation Starters
Since I started creating artistic maps, I've received dozens of messages from people telling me how my maps remind them of those forests and mountains where they used to hike with their families when they were little, or that little stream by their garden, and that river where their father used to take them fishing. People also tell me how they're using these maps to plan their next adventure. Maps seem to strengthen people's emotional connection to nature, making us appreciate and take care of it more.
For example, the forest cover map of Europe has that effect on me. It is probably my favourite forest map of all. I could stare at it for hours, always discovering something new, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature.
I believe these maps can also act as a mirror of sorts, raising environmental awareness. When they are on our walls, we stop and think about our small decisions: Do I really need to buy that water in a plastic bottle? Do I really need to print this invoice? Do I really need to order this product if it's shipped from China?
So I believe they can be a perfect conversation starter about nature conservation as well. I was happy to witness people discussing reforestation projects in England, after seeing my forest map of the country. I also learned a lot about history and shipbuilding that day. The same goes for rivers. Just by looking at the river basin map of the US, people can instantly see that anything they throw in a river or a stream, along with any industrial waste they release into it, will travel far and wide, eventually visiting their friends in New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico, polluting ecosystems along the way.
So if you ask me, that's the power maps can have - strengthening our connection to nature one conversation at a time.
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