Reflection

In 8th grade, my family and I excitedly planned our summer vacation to Hawaii. We anticipated seeing the serene beaches and clear skies we had seen in photos beforehand transferred to reality. Instead, we faced torrential rains, dark skies, and rising floodwaters that forced us to abandon our plans and evacuate to a safety shelter. Overwhelmed by a mix of fear and curiosity, I felt the need to explore the underlying causes of such drastic climate anomalies upon returning from the trip. My research unveiled the alarming reality of global warming, where rising global temperatures are precipitating severe weather patterns and environmental disruptions. I aim to use art by channeling my anxieties about the future and my hopes for a sustainable world into a visual narrative that resonates with a broader audience and fosters a community ethos that prioritizes environmental health and resilience. The key message in my work is awareness and urgency. While climate change may seem distant and even abstract, it is actually a present and escalating crisis that demands immediate attention. Pollution overflowing from the cup and into the beautiful sceneries of nature and manmade environment showcases the dire consequences of neglecting the beauty of our habitat. I want to use this direct yet meaningful visual to highlight the urgency of the subject and inspire a sense of collective responsibility where every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of environmental sustainability. Edgar Degas once said, "Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." By sharing my personal story and insights through art, I hope to contribute to a growing movement that values and protects our natural world. Together, we can create a future where reality paints the beauty of nature through its delicate brushstrokes.