For What Could Be
Portland, OR
2020, Senior, Art
Reflection
Reflection
A human stands in the vast darkness, facing a striking view of the ocean so deep the sunlight is but a soft glow; yet the water is still brimming with vitality. Vaquitas and orcas, critically endangered species, freely frolic through the light and shadows. The individual marvels at the sight, yet is still apprehensive about taking the final step into this beautiful future. Through this painting, I wanted to capture my view of humanity’s current state with climate change. While researching, the sheer amount of solutions and preventative actions I found was staggering; they ranged from blue carbon ecosystems to harnessing wave energy. Climate change solutions are certainly not in short supply. However, truly putting an end to climate change will require a globally-coordinated response, local forces, and individual efforts. I hope that showing people what our Earth could be will be both a wake-up call and a beacon of hope. Whether we choose to continue on our path of rapidly fading wildlife and ecosystems, or transform this world’s future into a clean and inhabitable one full of life depends on our actions right now.