Graphic storyteller and UC Davis alumna Maureen Burdock returns to campus to discuss her latest project, “Sleepless Planet: A Graphic Guide to Coping with Insomnia.” Presented by the UC Davis Department of German and Russian, the talk will be at the School of Education Building, Room 174, on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

“I hope to motivate people to think more deeply about sleep for themselves as well as the planet,” Burdock said.

Burdock’s award-winning art and comics have been exhibited and published in 10 countries. Her graphic memoir, Queen of Snails, was published by Graphic Mundi in 2022. She is also the author of Feminist Fables for the Twenty-First Century: The F Word Project.

“Sleepless Planet,” a work in progress, chronicles her quest for better sleep and tells the story of a planet yearning for rest. Burdock explores themes of sleep and rest as well as overconsumption, capitalist culture and the pressure to constantly achieve. During the event, she will discuss these themes and present excerpts, including illustrations, from the book.

Burdock earned her doctorate in cultural studies in 2021 at UC Davis. She also holds dual master’s degrees from the California College of the Arts.

Burdock said she is grateful to return to campus to share her personal journey — and what she’s learned — with students and the community.

“Sleepless Planet” is expected to be released next year with Graphic Mundi.

Illustrations courtesy of Maureen Burdock.