Abigail Masel is an emerging Appalachian artist based in Charleston, WV who creates surrealist works that strive to explore the intricate connections between art and science.

Masel is primarily a self-taught artist, and although her academic background is rooted in environmental science, don't let that fool you. She has been a passionate creator and admirer of the arts throughout her entire life, and firmly believes that science and art are not mutually exclusive. Rather, these are deeply interconnected disciplines that complement each other beautifully, like the biodiversity of an ecosystem. She sees these parallels every day, from colorful mosaics of data to the symphony of birds in the backyard.

Through surrealist drawings and paintings, Masel aims to visualize the inherent nature between art and science, and explore humanity's interpretations of the two. Her work is constantly evolving in hopes of capturing her own interpretations throughout time and to mould her style. Many of her current creations are inspired by both West Virginia and South Carolina and their diverse wildlife. As Masel is also a passionate geographic information systems (GIS) enthusiast, she plans to explore the collision between art and geospatial data in future works. Currently Masel mostly creates using acrylic, graphite, or charcoal, but equally loves expressing through mixed media or collages, as they have been a rich source of creative nutrients and aided with defining common themes. Masel believes this process exercises expression and excites the imagination.

Masel decided early in life that she could foster both her artistic and GIS paths, and and she will continue to do so. She envisions a creative journey filled with curiosity, experiences, and a deeper understanding and expression of imagination and the overall 'human experience'.