Randi Ford studied illustration and painting at Grand Valley State University. Growing up in the country, she has always been inspired by nature. In her work, she represents the natural world that surrounds her and allows the viewer to see the beauty within it.

Artist Statement for Summer Seasonal 1:

"Summer Seasonal I is a part of a series of eight illustrations that represent the vegetation and wildlife that live among us in Western Michigan, and invites viewers to contemplate the relationship we share with nature through the form of a narrative that spans across all four seasons of a year. By excluding the presence of people but still including human possessions within the scenes, they allow the viewer to become more engaged with the environment depicted, drawing on visuals that are seemingly common to most West Michiganders. The illustrations aspire to bring awareness to the often-ignored living things that surround humanity- to create a sense of compassion and understanding of their existence among us, and allow viewers to contemplate and reflect on their own personal relationship to the natural world." -Randi Ford