Connelli Designs

My name is Rosemary Connelli, and I am a printmaker and researcher who connects art and science to visually communicate research, encourage education, and to uplift studies on the marine environment. Growing up on Block Island, I found inspiration and passion at a young age to use artwork as a means to communicate the environment around me. After graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree combined with scientific communication, I launched my small-business Connelli Designs where I have collaborated with researchers and environmental non-profits to help communicate complex scientific material into visual content for larger audiences. My printmaking and illustration business has provided me opportunities to educate laypeople on the importance of marine conservation and how to become involved with conservation. Today, I live on Block Island and participate in Block Island's farmers markets and art guilds, selling my local and handmade linocut and woodcut prints, watercolor prints, thrifted clothing, tote bags, and stickers. The prints are largely inspired by Rhode Island’s marine fauna species: humpback whales, right whales, herring, sharks, and rays. Being able to sell at markets on Block Island has given me a platform to speak to customers on the local species, their importance, and how to help in conservation efforts. Throughout the year, I also assist in research studies in British Columbia and Iceland, where I help collect fieldwork data on cetaceans and salmonids, and find new inspiration for my print studies.