Sophomore, Stamps School of Art & Design
Medium
Acrylic painting
Abstract
My artwork explores key environmental science concepts, such as Earth systems, pollution, and sustainability, reflecting both natural processes and human impacts. I captured the dynamic beauty of nature with the use of vibrant colors. The interconnectedness of land, water, wood, and air highlights nature’s delicate balance and harmony. Although the figures appear to be enjoying nature, they are unknowingly interacting with its pollution — trees are cut, cars release carbon dioxide, and trash is on the ground. Through this piece, I not only reflect scientific aspects of nature, but also advocate sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, which contributes to energy conservation.
My artwork explores key concepts in environmental science, including Earth systems and resources, pollution, and sustainable practices. It is focused on understanding the processes that operate in the natural environment, and human impacts on the environment, connected to the pressing challenges faced today. I used acrylic paint on a paper board, emphasizing the energetic movements and beauty found in nature, expressing them as vibrantly as possible through the use of various colors. I also paid attention expressing the shades and highlights on the figures, for a three dimensional and realist depiction. Although it looks like the figures are having a good time in nature, they are unknowingly contributing or interacting with its pollution. The tree is chopped down, carbon dioxide gas is released from a car, plastic and styrofoam pollute the ocean where a person is surfing, a woman relaxes next to piles of trash, and a child plays in sand littered with cans and forks. These scenes represent air, land, and water pollution, as well as the consequences of carbon footprints. To emphasize the environmental damage and contrast it with the peaceful surroundings, I drew each of the negative scenes on a separate piece of paper board and then attached it to the main board. Natural elements like land, water, wood, and air are depicted as interconnected, reflecting the seamless relationship and harmony that exists within the environment. This illustrates how energy flows through nature with delicate balance — wind generates waves, water nourishes the land, and plants grow from the soil. Through this piece, I wanted to advocate sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and recycling, which contributes to energy conservation by minimizing the need for resource extraction and processing.