"Isogonic Iris Lines"
Size: 5" x 7"
Papercutting on archival paper with vintage map scrapbook paper for background.
 
Isogonic lines are lines joining points on the Earth's surface that have equal magnetic declination as of a given date. The magnetic declination of the Earth is the angle between magnetic north and true north at a particular location on the Earth's surface. This angle can change over time due to polar wandering-- essentially, the Earth wobbles a bit like a top as it spins. 
 
A compass is magnetized to point to magnetic north, so knowing the magnetic declination from true north is important in orienteering. A map with isogonic lines then provides this important magnetic declination information for safe and accurate navigation with the compass, especially as the value changes as one travels around the world. 
 
Maps with isogenic lines need to be updated as the angle between magnetic north and true north changes. The angle may change as little as 2 to 2.5 degrees over a hundred years in some areas, and in other areas closer to the pole, it can change by 1 degree every three years. 
 
Isogenic lines and the idea of them changing over time remind me of how sometimes life requires quick changes and other times the change is slow. We all have to learn to navigate both. May this "Isogenic Iris Lines" artwork remind you that even navigating travel over the Earth is not straightforward, and so neither is navigating life. May you learn to adapt and change to life's demands as the isogenic lines adapt to changes in the Earth's magnetic declination. 
 
Created as part of  the Cartography of Flowers Collection.
 
This papercut art piece is hand-cut from one sheet of white archival paper and matted with a printed colored vintage street map of Paris, France. The floral bouquet is made up of two blooming iris flowers, surrounded by smaller cherry blossom flowers and leaves.