Ecologies of Value

This series reimagines state currency through the lens of ecology rather than commerce. Inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and waterways of South Carolina, I explore what I truly find valuable in our region and what forms of wealth are often overlooked within modern economic systems. Using the visual language of banknotes, emblems, and decorative engraving, I transform native species into symbols of cultural and environmental inheritance. Birds, marshes, insects, and coastal ecosystems become stand-ins for forms of wealth that cannot be manufactured or replaced. The patterned surfaces reference both security printing and hand-built mark making, creating a tension between institutional design and personal observation. Rather than celebrating industry, political figures, or economic power, these imagined currencies center fragile ecosystems and the interconnected life of the Lowcountry. Through this work, I reflect on conservation, regional identity, and the idea that natural beauty may be among South Carolina’s most valuable and endangered resources.