When I first read about the 1980 eruption of Mt. Saint Helens, I was struck by the sheer force of nature and the profound transformation it brought to the surrounding wilderness. The article described not only the immediate devastation—the flattened forests, the ash-choked skies, and the eerie silence that followed—but also the emotional impact such a dramatic event had on those who witnessed it.
In creating this illustration, I aimed to capture both the physical and emotional aftermath of the eruption. The color palette is intentionally muted, with ashen grays, subdued blues, and earthy browns dominating the scene. These tones reflect the barren landscape that emerged after the blast.
This piece is more than just a depiction of a historical event—it’s an exploration of how landscapes are forever changed by natural disasters.
