Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Grandseart
A hyper-surreal artist from Pioneer, California, blends whimsy and environmental consciousness in her vibrant “On the Farm” comics, fostering community resilience in rural America
Elizabeth Grandsaert, a visionary artist and illustrator from the foothills of Pioneer, California, took her hyper-surreal art and storytelling to new audiences with the help of KDA Creative Corps (KDACC) funding. Grandsaert’s comics, known for their fusion of whimsy and profound introspection, reflect a passion for both rural life and environmental advocacy.
As the Founder and Executive Director of The Pony Farm Residency Project and Permaculture Garden, Grandsaert has long been immersed in the intersection of art and rural community engagement. The residency project, designed to give mid-career city artists an opportunity to connect with the local Amador County community, laid the groundwork for her latest project,”On the Farm,” a comic series funded by the KDACC grant.
The comics are noted for their effectiveness in raising awareness about pressing environmental concerns, going beyond simple tales set in rural environments. Through the colorful adventures of characters Jax DuBois and friends, “On the Farm” promotes vital messages about water and energy conservation, climate mitigation and emergency preparedness in the Mokelumne Wilderness area.
The grant has allowed the artist to explore new artistic techniques and reach broader audiences with their comics. Grandsaert and her team were excited to use art as a tool for environmental change, especially within rural American communities.
Grandsaert’s work stands apart for its ability to weave serious issues—such as wildfire preparedness and snowstorm survival—into narratives that feel approachable and even fun. With her background in painting and a flair for storytelling, she introduces readers to the quirks of farm life while subtly imparting lessons on conservation and resilience.
Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Grandseart
Jax, the comic’s protagonist, represents a generation growing up amid environmental uncertainty. Living in the picturesque yet precarious upcountry of Amador County, Jax’s days are filled with swimming in the Mokelumne River and helping prepare the family farm for wildfire season. The characters are based on real-life locals, making them relatable and their experiences authentic. Grandsaert’s vivid illustrations bring this rural world to life, offering readers—whether urban or rural—a window into the challenges and joys of small-town living.
Grandsaert showcased the beauty and struggles of rural life, highlighting the environmental stewardship practices of these communities. The accompanying comics seek to both educate and entertain readers.
Grandsaert’s work also includes an initiative called the FireKeepers Club, a space for community members to share their own stories of resilience in the face of natural disasters. Whether battling wildfires, floods, or heavy snow, locals can contribute their experiences, inspiring others to take action in their own communities. In addition to storytelling, the club offers resources on emergency preparedness, promoting real-world solutions alongside Grandsaert’s fictional tales.
Through her art, Grandsaert has tapped into a unique approach to environmental activism that appeals to rural residents and anyone interested in conservation and sustainability. By focusing on the human side of the climate crisis, she fosters a deeper understanding of how people live with and adapt to nature’s demands. Her whimsical yet purposeful style draws viewers in, encouraging them to reflect on their environmental impact while being entertained by the everyday trials and triumphs of Jax and their friends.
Elizabeth Grandsaert’s journey with KDACC funding was a personal artistic endeavor that allowed her to explore a new form of environmental storytelling where vibrant comics became a means to inspire action. Through “On the Farm” and the FireKeepers Club, she’s planting seeds of awareness and resilience in the heart of rural America—one colorful page at a time.
See more of her work at https://elizabeth-grandsaert-93dz.squarespace.com/about-2.
About the Artist: Elizabeth Grandseart
Liz Grandsaert is a hyper-surreal artist/illustrator from Pioneer, California. Her work delves deep into the human experience of life in rural America. Liz has her BFA in painting from UCLA and focuses on building a multi-dimensional worldview that permeates the Americana mythos.
