Reflection

This year was a strange start for California. Never in my life, had I seen such a severely heavy rainfall and flooding. There was even hail and snow. Droughts are lasting longer, wildfires are burning more frequently and spreading faster, and an increase of storms causing severe flooding. From the news and around me, I’m aware of climate change, however the last two hundred years have seen marine habitats wiped out or transformed beyond recognition. Then there is, Dr. Sylvia, who has been trying to warn us and protect the ocean for what is to come. Her career ranges from being an oceanographer, and marine biologist to even an author for textbooks. Additionally, she was the very first person to do a solo walk on the seafloor without a lifeline. As many of her texts and photos show, she traverses the oceans discovering the unknown of this vast realm of the natural world that is hidden from most of us. She witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction on marine ecosystems. As I searched for Sylvia's whereabouts and painted her achievements, I wanted to continue to visually express my desire to restore and protect our beautiful sea. As I visit the beach near my house and sit down to sketch, all I think about is my wish for the beautiful ocean sight I see, to be still available for the future. To that, I want to dedicate my time to drawing marine life and spreading ocean awareness.