With illustrations often bordered by intense floral ornamentation, curling trumpet vines, prickly pear cacti or strands of kelp, Auckland, New Zealand–based artist Francesca Melis seeks to invite people to develop a relationship with nature through her work. “The heart of my artistic philosophy is to create art that connects people with nature and their inner selves,” she explains. “My work explores themes of the environment, the bond between humanity and nature, identity, and mental health, reflecting my deepest interests and observations.” For the semi-rustic, sunny qualities that feature heavily in her work, she draws inspiration from her background studying classical art as well as her childhood growing up on the island of Sardinia, Italy, its folklore and its rich history of textiles. “An inspiring figure in my artistic journey has been Sardinian illustrator Edina Altara, celebrated for her depictions of the island’s agro-pastoral landscapes,” Melis says. “Her exploration of the primitivist triad—blending the feminine essence with childhood innocence—inspires me to integrate elements of simplicity and wonder into my own work.” Having moved to Auckland to study graphic design, she now works with ad agencies and design studios, book publishers and magazines, and the entertainment industry to create a variety of editorial, poster and packaging projects—all the while imbuing her depictions of pastoral and emotional scenes into her work. “For me, illustration is a powerful way to capture emotions,” Melis says. “It’s taught me that we can experience feelings without being defined by them. Nature shows us that everything unfold in its own time and place, a principle deeply embedded in my approach to creativity.”