About this poster

My latest limited edition print release commemorates Earth Day for Relix Magazine! The poster depicts a majestic turtle carrying the earth on its back, drawing inspiration from the Native American legend of Turtle Island.

The Native American legend of Turtle Island is a creation story that explains how the Earth came to be and how humans were charged to protect the land. According to the legend, in the beginning, there was only water and sky. The Great Spirit looked down at the water and saw a giant turtle swimming towards him. The turtle was recognized as the symbol of the Earth, and the Great Spirit created the land on its back as a place for the inhabitants to rest and live. All the animals of the world were summoned to dive into the water and bring up dirt and mud. They were successful, and they placed the mud on the turtle’s back. As the mud grew and formed large bodies of land, the Great Spirit created trees, plants, and more animals to live upon these new lands. The first humans were also created. The Great Spirit then gave the humans the responsibility of taking care of the Earth and all its creatures.

Native American culture reveres turtles as symbols of strength, stability, and longevity. It is said that the turtle’s slow, steady pace and unwavering determination are qualities that humans should strive to emulate. The Turtle Island story symbolizes the importance of nature and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Native American wisdom, legends, and their reverence for the Earth as a sacred, living entity are powerful reminders that our Earth must be protected and cherished. - JW