In Spring of 2025, Roberts conceived the idea to create large linocut portraits of the 7 different animals Georgia Aquarium offers encounters with: California Sea Lion, Sea Otter, Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbor Seal, Beluga Whale, African Penguin, and Sharks/Rays. She began to visit the aquarium as frequently as possible, taking pictures and gathering visual inspiration for the work. After reaching out to Georgia Aquarium, they agreed to help facilitate interviews with the animal trainers and education team to provide further insights about the animals. “ENCOUNTERS” is the culmination of a year’s worth of planning, drawing, observing, and appreciating ocean life, through research and up-close interactions.