Juliet Schreckinger’s Surreal Black and White Illustrations Are Inspired by Ocean and Nature

Juliet Schreckinger is a talented artist based in Long Island, New York, who creates captivating black-and-white illustrations. Her works feature surreal elements and are inspired by the “ocean, nature, and all of the creatures within our world.”

Schreckinger’s illustrations often see detailed depictions of animals interacting with each other or the world in unexpected ways. Octopuses are looking through a telescope while riding turtles, groups of stacked rabbits are jumping over trees, and giant birds are using lighthouses as their resting spots.

According to Schreckinger, her style was influenced by her fascination with colorless media. She enjoyed black-and-white photographs, television shows, and movies while growing up, so using black ink and graphite for her art felt like an obvious decision.

“Being exposed to the lighting effects and sharp contrasts shown in these photographs and films greatly inspired the type of work that she does today,” she explains in the artist statement posted on her website.

Schreckinger also adds that her work is centered around “giving a voice to nature and animals, with the goal of showcasing their importance in this world.” This is why most of her works feature either endangered animals or ones that are considered vulnerable in modern times.

Check out more of Schreckinger’s illustrations below.