Deep Hopes
Burlington, Canada
2020, Senior, Art
Reflection
Reflection
This painting is inspired by the artist and environmentalist Jason deCaires Taylor. Using eco-friendly materials, he creates sculptures and places them in dying reefs all over the world. Over time, his sculptures transform bland, empty environments into colorful coral reefs. Not only does his artwork raise awareness of current global threats, but it also physically saves ecosystems. He is not focused on creating a beautiful piece of art, but on creating long-lasting habitats. Jason's sculptures are a clear symbol of hope, and they show how artists can make a significant impact on the world. My painting depicts one of the many sculptures featured in Jason's Coralarium project—a young girl facing the surface. When painting the coral, I explored various colors and techniques before developing the final result. I settled on a vibrant crimson to contrast with the cold, bleak background, symbolizing that hope can be found in darkness. As time went by, my painting gradually changed and now looks very different from my original sketch. The future of our world is in the hands of our young. As we get older, we are constantly learning and adapting, much like a growing coral reef. In a world that seems to drown in darkness, we look to the future with faith and optimism. Despite our young age, there are so many ways we can help fight climate change: building a community garden, joining a climate action event, or raising awareness through artwork.