As one of the most isolated island groups in the world, Hawaii has limited water resources, making these islands highly vulnerable to climate change. On August 8th, 2023, the island of Maui experienced an unprecedented series of wildfires that contributed to the loss of one hundred and two lives and thousands of acres of land, including the historic town of Lahaina. Fortunate to survive, Abigail recalls driving past a grove of burnt trees in the aftermath of these catastrophic fires.

Interested in how scientists use tree rings to provide clues about past climate conditions, Abigail created Wai, a layered woodcut print depicting a microscopic view of tree ring patterns during wet and dry seasons. Essentially these intricate marks are a historical record of weather patterns over time. Wider rings signify abundant rain, while narrow rings indicate harsher conditions like drought. These carved lines memorialize a shift in climate affecting not only Hawaii but cherished environments all over the world.