cover artist

Erick Wonderly Varela

Erick Wonderly Varela is a Eugene-based cartoonist and illustrator. Erick draws inspiration from his Honduran heritage, his experiences working in a fish market and in primatology, and a love of the natural world. Their art utilizes bright colors, often through the use of gouache paint and colored pencils. Erick currently is a vendor with the Whiteaker Community Market and has worked with local businesses such as Yardy Eugene, Heart of Willamette Cooking School, and Noisette Patisserie.

This piece integrates birds into the landscape of Eugene. The use of birds and varied colors is meant to show the diversity of the arts and artists here in Eugene. The birds fly upward together in order to convey a feeling of cooperation instead of fierce competition. Erick strongly believes that when artists think of themselves as a larger network instead of scrambling over each other, we can all create something more beautiful here in Eugene.

Erick’s work can be found on Instagram @erick__ink and his website, erick-ink.com.