Eco-Art Competition 2022

My artwork is a sculpture titled "Environmental Countdown". Inside a glass box, constructed with plexiglass, is a sculpture of a person appearing dismayed as he takes in the art on the walls around him. Each plexiglass wall illustrates a different environmental issue: overconsumption and production of the fashion industry, extreme weather changes in the form of forest fires, and ocean pollution which features trash, the harm of fishing nets, coral bleaching, and the endangered vaquita. On the front wall is the countdown, this is based on the Climate Clock which counts down the time we have until climate change is irreversible. My art relates to the theme Plant the Seed because its purpose is to display the frustration that comes with feeling like there is nothing more we as an individual can do to reverse environmental degradation, however, on the floor of my sculpture, there are many news articles. These are not negative articles, instead, they focus on positive achievements in environmentalism from the past few years. For example, one is titled "Humpback Whales Have Made a Remarkable Recovery, Giving Us Hope for the Planet"- Time. By including this positive news, my art shows that raising awareness (the Climate Clock) and spreading encouraging accomplishments will help us to plant the seed that leads to massive improvement in environmental protection. These issues are important to me because I understand the beauty and importance of our environment, and I want to take whatever steps I can to protect the future of humans and ecosystems. I used many mediums such as acrylic paint, plexiglass, and clay to build a sculpture that I felt communicated my message. I hope that those who view my art understand the urgency and importance of protecting our earth while also feeling inspired to make a difference.