My Climate Change Themed Paintings for Hercules Library
It all begins with an idea.
My artist friend, Chris Granillo, forwarded me the invitation to a community art installation at Hercules Public Library. The theme was conservation and environmentalism, so I jumped at the opportunity.
The description said, “Conservation as a movement focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity. How do you help the planet thrive?”
Many people who use local libraries are of school age. As a young girl, I remember spending sleepless nights worrying sick about the end of the world and the destruction of animals. So, this is a great opportunity for me to revisit these acute feelings and channel them into my art.
The event required only one work, but I created three panels. One canvas didn’t seem enough to encompass the scope of the crises we humans caused throughout the planet, so I decided to invoke the fundamental elements of which living beings are made: wind, fire, and water.
Please read the descriptions I sent to the library with my paintings. And if you have time, visit the library to view the paintings. I will be at the artists’ reception on Saturday, September 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. You can vote on your favorite art created by local artists, including me. I would love to see you there!
Panel I: Climate Change - Fire
The element of fire has been disrupted
in our beloved country and throughout the world.
Fire is usually associated with cleansing,
dynamic life force, and change. What kind of change can we,
humans, ignite to quell the suffering of Nature?
The deers, hares, owls, and other forest residents are asking.
What immediate action would you take?
Panel II: Climate Change - Wind
The hot, scorching wind had been sweeping
the desert land worldwide for many years.
We humans carelessly used our resources
and depleted the once-fecund earth.
Now, the desert is spreading, thirsty for the sound of drops of rainwater.
Listen to the voices of cheetahs, fennec foxes, and kestrels in the desert.
They lose their home when they can’t find food.
We lose these keepers of eco-balance when we stop caring.
Compassion has run dry.
What would you do?
Part III: Climate Change - Water
Our bodies are seventy percent water, and so is the surface of our planet.
In the Louisiana Bayou, more and more creatures are disappearing
because of the drastic destruction underway,
like silent alligators under water.
The water level is rising, and the saline water is flowing inward
to destroy the animals' habitat in the bayou.
The indigenous people, whose ancient legends were filled
with tales of sacred animals, feel a pang of fear and sadness.
The animals have told them for centuries how to live in harmony.
They are telling us the same thing.
Would you listen to them?