Abigail Roscoe, a disabled artist, channels her perseverance into creating The Sixth Sun, a mythic story of hope.
Abigail Roscoe’s journey as a disabled artist is far from conventional. It is one marked by deep transformation, resilience, and a commitment to rewriting both personal and cultural narratives. Born with a passion for storytelling, Roscoe, a Mexican-Canadian illustrator, writer, and multidisciplinary artist, has spent years crafting a unique space for herself in the world of visual art and storytelling. But it was not until a series of life-altering challenges reshaped her world that her most ambitious project, The Sixth Sun, began to take form.
The Road to Transformation: A Vision Reinvented
Roscoe’s artistic journey began in the Netherlands, where she studied illustration and animation. There, she honed her skills, eventually delving into children’s literature with a focus on environmental themes. Her breakthrough came with Yuka’s Way Home, a children’s book created in collaboration with Indigenous Sámi reindeer herders in Northern Norway. This project, grounded in lived experiences and cultural respect, became the foundation of Roscoe’s artistic and storytelling ethos.
However, life took an unexpected turn after Roscoe graduated in 2021. A severe medical error left her blind in her left eye, and chronic pain and arthritis compounded her struggles. The world, which had once felt vast and full of possibility, suddenly became smaller, more difficult to navigate. For a while, she grieved the loss of the version of herself who could move freely and work tirelessly. Yet, it was this very loss that catalyzed the creation of The Sixth Sun, a story born from pain, resilience, and the search for hope in a world facing ecological destruction.
The Sixth Sun: Rewriting Myth Through Disability and Courage
At the heart of Roscoe’s most recent work is The Sixth Sun, a mythic modern story set in Mexico City. The narrative centers on two musicians who cross paths with Huehuecóyotl, the trickster god of Aztec mythology. Through their journey, they discover that the world’s end may not be the end at all. This narrative is not only about survival; it’s about reimagining the future through creativity, even when the world feels overwhelmingly dark.
Roscoe describes the project as a response to climate grief, disability, and the global uncertainty that pervades today’s society. “In an age defined by ecological grief, disconnection, and despair, The Sixth Sunreminds us that hope itself is sacred, that even when the world ends, creation can begin again,” she says. For Roscoe, this story is not just an artistic endeavor, it is a lifeline, a way to process the emotional turbulence of her experiences and offer a vision of hope to others.
The project itself is a monumental undertaking. Abigail has written the story, created characters, illustrated concept art, and cast voice actors, all while working with her dedicated producer Liv Kurt to ensure the authenticity and depth of the project. Every aspect of The Sixth Sunhas been created without the use of AI, each illustration, voice, and written word is a product of human effort and passion. The dedication to human craftsmanship in the creation of The Sixth Sunis a testament to Coyote Studio’s commitment to authenticity in an age dominated by technology.
The Journey of Perseverance and Representation
What makes The Sixth Suntruly unique is not just its mythological foundation or its stunning art, but the perseverance behind its creation. Roscoe’s vision is deeply personal. As a disabled artist, she seeks to challenge the limitations imposed on her by the world around her. “I try to be an inspiration for other disabled people,” Roscoe reflects, acknowledging how often the world dictates who disabled individuals are and where they should be in life. The Sixth Sunis her powerful response to these constraints, an invitation for others to see the value in their stories, regardless of the hardships they face.
But Roscoe’s work is also a radical act of inclusion. She is passionate about creating accessible art and educational materials, particularly for young audiences. Through her collaborations with organizations like the Caribou Conservation Alliance, Roscoe designs engaging visuals that make complex ecological concepts more relatable and accessible to children and families. Similarly, her work with the Vancouver Aquarium, where she teaches illustration workshops and creates educational content for children, highlights her dedication to environmental education and accessibility. She works to foster curiosity about marine life and ecosystems in a way that is both emotionally resonant and artistically beautiful.
A Global Impact: From Canada to Switzerland
Roscoe’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond the classroom or the studio. Her work has been exhibited internationally, with one of her most notable exhibitions in Bern, Switzerland, where she showcased pieces that explored themes of disability, mythology, and the personal and at times even spiritual connection we have to dreams, and the role of dreams in folklore. These works, deeply personal yet universally relevant, reflect Roscoe’s ongoing exploration of identity, culture, and the role of storytelling in healing. Through these exhibitions, she has opened up new avenues for cross-cultural dialogue, bridging gaps between her personal experiences and the global conversation on disability and environmental issues.
For Roscoe, art is a means of connecting with others, whether through the pages of a book, the soundscape of a story, or the vibrant colors of an illustration. Her creative process is one of constant evolution, driven by the desire to give voice to those who have been overlooked or marginalized. Whether she is creating accessible materials for children or designing album art for musicians, her mission remains the same: to provide a space where diverse voices and experiences are represented and celebrated.
Embracing Hope Through Art
Roscoe’s work is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and hope. Despite the challenges she has faced, she continues to push forward with a bold vision for the future, one where disability is not a limitation but a source of strength, and where myth and story can heal the world. As she continues to develop The Sixth Sun, with plans to turn it into an animated series, she invites others to join her on this journey of transformation. The project is available for free, a gift from Roscoe to the world, in the hope that it resonates with those who need it most.
“I want to continue creating in this space,” Roscoe says, “because the world needs more connection to ourselves, more reflection, and more hope.” Through her work, Roscoe is proving that even in the face of immense personal struggle, it is possible to create something that inspires, connects, and uplifts.
To learn more about Abigail Roscoe’s work and The Sixth Sun, visit Coyote Studioor follow her on YouTubeand Facebook. Explore the stories she is telling and be a part of the change she is fostering in the world of art and storytelling.
