Brooklyn Phillip & Nathan Schwartz

The heart of our planet.

This artwork, titled “The Heart of Our Planet,” shows how closely connected we are to Earth. The ribs represent how fragile life is and acts as a shield, just like Earth’s ecosystems protect all living things. At the center is Earth shaped as a heart with a crack symbolizing the harm we have caused. It reminds us that damaging Earth also hurts us.

This piece encourages everyone to take care of the planet and protect it. By blending the human body with Earth, it highlights the interconnectedness between humanity and nature. The mural invites viewers to reflect on their role in safeguarding the environment and inspires action to prevent further harm to the planet we call home.

The creative process behind this work was a collaboration between me (Brooklyn) and my partner Nathan. Nathan started by sketching an Earth and lungs using colored pencils, and I captured this sketch in a photograph. To bring the image to life, I then used the illustration app, Illustrator, to design a ribcage using only black lines. The final piece feels like it was drawn directly in a notebook, tying together the themes of connection, nature, and the importance of protecting both ourselves and the planet.