Mara Carpenter

Mara Jayne Carpenter is a queer illustrator & writer from Rhode Island.

Growing up in a multi-faith household in a rural, seaside community, Mara has developed a passion for both nature and mythology. As someone who struggles with mental illness & trauma, her art and writing have always served as an essential tool to help express what she can not otherwise put into words. It’s also helped her express her passion for nature and inspire others to see its beauty.

Mara’s work aims to mix fact and fantasy to both educate and fascinate readers about the beauty of the world around them. She loves drawing animals and plants people find familiar, then incorporating unique and, often unsettling, features to create a sense of intrigue. As a huge horror fan, her style has been massively inspired by the mangaka Junji Ito. Ito’s ability to create a sense of unease and horror through his art has deeply influenced Mara’s own work, guiding her in creating pieces that evoke similar emotions.

Mara has found the art community to be full of incredible people and a sense of camaraderie she’s rarely felt anywhere else. Through her art, Mara has been able to connect with people who share her interests and experiences. These connections have enriched her life and inspired her art in new ways.

Check her out at https://www.marajaynecarpenter.com/