"Study Nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
- Frank Lloyd Wright
Beautiful Colors, Vital Stories
Color plays a central role in the work of Austin-based artist and environmental advocate Juliet Whitsett.
In her digitally created series Biodiversity of Texas, Whitsett develops distinctive color palettes sampled directly from crowd-sourced images of endangered, threatened, and at-risk species in Texas. These palettes—ranging from the earthy subtleties of an endangered freshwater mussel to the jewel-like brilliance of a threatened bird—become the foundation for original digital artworks that celebrate biodiversity and highlight the urgency of conservation.
From Arts to Ecology
Many of these species were unfamiliar to her before beginning the project. Her career—rooted in the arts, experiential learning, and environmental advocacy—spans over two decades and includes leading large-scale youth art and environmental projects, serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, and collaborating with institutions such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the High Line, the Trail Conservancy, and the University of Texas. Collaborating closely with scientists and conservation experts, Whitsett seeks to understand and share not only the beauty of these species, but also their ecological importance and the roles they play within Texas’ diverse habitats. Each digital palette becomes a visual record of an organism’s presence—a translation of its form, function, and life into color.
A Palette with Purpose
The digitally rendered works are not only visually striking but also serve as tools for education—translating scientific observation into an accessible, color-rich language.
Five percent of every Biodiversity of Texas sale supports conservation efforts for endangered and threatened species in Texas. Each signed archival print, greeting card, or gift highlights the beauty and ecological significance of these species while directly contributing to their protection.
By presenting these species in their vivid, digitally captured colors, the work invites viewers to recognize and value the biodiversity that surrounds them.
