Cover concept and art: Shreya Mishra
Despite human interference, nature can and will push through. If we slab a concrete path down, over time the strength of surrounding tree roots will overpower the path and break through. Little yellow flowers will find themselves pressing up through the cracks, reaching toward the sun. And while I may trip over those cracks, I’m always in awe of how resilient nature is. I wanted to capture that quiet, persistent power in this piece. In the top right corner, an old-growth tree reclaims its territory, uprooting the sidewalk as it stretches outward. You’ll find the grass and moss inching its way through the cracks in the path. Despite the concrete’s water-leeching properties, you’ll see colorful flowers sprinkled throughout.
I hope this piece inspires people to look down as they walk to class or work and notice what’s growing in the cracks. Nature’s resilience is not only beautiful, it’s instructive. I hope it encourages viewers to support efforts to help our planet thrive and to take climate action seriously. Sustainability isn’t limited to one discipline. It’s a mindset, a value, and a responsibility we can all carry, no matter what field we’re in.
Shreya Mishra is a second-year master’s student in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, with a focus on climate resiliency and adaptation. She is passionate about the intersection of art and science, using painting as a medium to spark inspiration and create space for optimism and hope in the face of environmental challenges.
misciwriters.com 