Seraphina Sol's Field Notes Wins Iron A' Design Award for Reviving Botanical Illustration in Modern Conservation
July 16, 2025, Rome, Italy – Renowned design journalist Roberto Colombo highlights the innovative work of Seraphina Sol in a recent feature for PRHow, recognizing the Field Notes Botanical Illustration Project for its outstanding contribution to Art, Science, and Conservation. The project has been honored with the Iron A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication category for 2025.
The project, which began in 2020, is a conservation-focused series of botanical illustrations that highlight the often-overlooked details of native plants and moths from remote regions. Drawing inspiration from herbaria and the meticulous documentation practices of natural history museums, Seraphina’s work bridges the gap between scientific accuracy and artistic expression.
Each illustration starts with careful observation and hand-drawn sketches rendered in ink, later refined digitally to enhance depth and clarity. The final artworks are printed on handmade, 100 percent recycled cotton paper embedded with wildflower seeds, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. These pieces have been showcased in museums, botanical gardens, and exhibitions across Canada, engaging both academic and general audiences as educational guides and visual assets.
The project stands out for its revival of traditional botanical illustration techniques, making them relevant and accessible in today's digital world. Seraphina’s approach not only documents the physical characteristics of plant specimens but also encourages viewers to appreciate and protect the natural world. Overcoming challenges such as illustrating dried, pressed specimens, Seraphina’s work captures the true form and complexity of each subject. Through Field Notes, she invites audiences to connect with nature's beauty and supports ongoing conservation efforts.
Seraphina Sol is an international artist and researcher whose work bridges art, science, and design. Renowned for her detailed scientific illustrations, she draws inspiration from natural history collections and combines traditional and digital methods to capture the essence of flora and fauna. Her illustrations have been featured in educational materials, exhibitions, and international publications, inspiring a deeper understanding and preservation of nature. Based in Toronto, Canada, she works globally in design.
Read the full press release here.
