Queen of Ice and Snow
Ashleigh Izienicki
Photograph by Alex de Vries Magnifico
"Queen of Ice and Snow" by Ashleigh Izienicki (USA) highlights the iconic polar bear, a marine mammal that has become the poster child of climate change, and classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Artist Statement
This loss has driven polar bears to starvation and pushed these solitary animals closer together. Mother polar bears now have to protect their young from the starving competitors around them.
For this illustration, I decided to depict the ferocity and spirit of the polar bear mom, a true queen in her own right, as she defends her young from any threat. I wanted to represent the polar bear as something beautiful, strong and resilient, just as they are in real life. If we take action today, we can help these remarkable creatures continue to rule over their ice kingdom indefinitely."
Artist Bio
Ashleigh is a Colorado-born artist who works both digital and traditional mediums. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Laguna College of Art and Design. Her work often features dark and macabre themes with a cute and feminine touch.



