The Fliers of Gy
Bookplate illustration based on Ursula K Le Guin’s short story The Fliers of Gy, which I entered into the Folio Book Illustration Award. The story explores a world where feathered, bird-like people live - some of whom grow wings in late adolescence. The winged people of Gy are ostracised, seen as risk takers where those who do not fly are living safe, normal lives. I wanted to evoke the disconnect between those who choose to fly and those who do not, through negative space and scale. Through the colour palette, I convey serene joy as Ardiadia, a winged Gyian, flies for the first time.
April 2023, mixed media collage.
April 2023, mixed media collage.
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/362daad3db55575d47b9e44288c8b0bef3e0ec71ab2618458510114ff4707905/WEBamymcphersonfliersmockup2023.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b32059072caa2d6ce98ea2d606429d16da6a3035cc7e67693a3a3ba1ea6ca437/WEBamymcphersonfliersofgyfull.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/9a013e0499e153a1b4166f88c50bd80d3e10144b61522078df2ddfe525764f22/WEBamymcphersonfliersofgysquare2.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e73640bc0606d8293502313b25b79b1971a6d9e188ee217bc75af2cd2040c60b/WEBamymcphersonfliersofgysquare1.jpg)