Reflection

California Sea Lions are known for their cleverness, playfulness, and noisy barking, all memorable parts of my childhood. To many, sea lions are not just one of the million marine species in the ocean, but friendly creatures that spark curiosity and a lifelong love for the ocean. The medium I used is gouache, which I have used in the past to represent the rich fluidity of water in my art. This vibrant paint captures the energy and joy that marine life brings to this world, the life that may go unnoticed beneath blooms of human impact on the environment. The green layer dominating the top of my artwork adds a layer of environmental reality: it represents a harmful algae bloom, a growing crisis fueled by warming coastal waters. These blooms create severe ecological harm by blocking essential sunlight and releasing dangerous toxins that bioaccumulate up the food chain. This colorful piece provides a glimpse into the color beneath the blooms, reflecting my personal connection to the local coastline, serving as a reminder that protecting the ocean means safeguarding the joy that it brings.