Nature’s Narrative is a richly illustrated series inspired by the untamed beauty of Arizona’s desert landscape and the evocative rhythm of haiku-inspired poetry by Michael Ballard. This collection of twelve images captures the essence of the American Southwest’s native flora, fauna, and shifting seasonal light.

From the bold silhouette of a roadrunner at dawn to the quiet intensity of a bobcat in winter’s chill, each artwork reflects the resilience and subtle rhythms of desert life. Radiant sunrises, moonlit skies, and the shimmering heat of summer are distilled into simplified forms and striking color palettes—inviting viewers to pause, observe, and connect with the natural world.

This body of work has since expanded into the published book Nature, Noticed: Desert Poems from Tucson, created in collaboration with poet Michael Ballard. The book brings the full series together, pairing each illustration with a haiku that reflects the mood and movement of the desert throughout the year.

Available on Amazon:
(search “Nature, Noticed: Desert Poems from Tucson”)

The featured image, Lunar Mosaic, highlights a javelina beneath a shifting moon—its expression echoing the quiet humor and wonder found throughout the series. The accompanying poem reflects on the moon’s phases as they move across the sky, comparing them to a subtly raised eyebrow.

The collection was also released as a series of digital works on Foundation, exploring early opportunities in emerging platforms and storytelling formats.

View the collection on Foundation:
https://foundation.app/collection/fauna-88ad

Discover more about each artwork and the poetry that brings it to life. Click on any image for a more detailed description.