Design by Kathleen Hinkel and Amanda Jones
Yellow Ink on Unisex Oxblood Black tee
Artist Statement:
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” - John Muir
To illustrate this years Give-a-Shi*t theme of “We are all connected”; we choose to illustrate the Tree of Life, the Joshua Tree, and its dependent relationship with the yucca moth. The Joshua Tree is nicknamed the Tree of Life as it is essential to the entire Mojave desert ecosystem. The Joshua Tree relies solely on the yucca moth for pollination of its blossoms. It would not survive without the small winged creature. The moth depends on the Joshua tree flower’s pollen to nourish her offspring. In turn the tree provides habitat for numerous birds, mammals, insects and lizards within the Mojave. The relationship between the moth and the Joshua Tree illustrates the intertwined relationship of living creatures in the desert and serves as a greater metaphor for us all; nothing can be great without its connection to smaller things and we all play an important role in our universe.