Hands of Change
Markham, Canada
2020, Junior, Art
Reflection
I was inspired to create this piece when I read about the dangerous impacts of our actions to the natural world around us. While reading about the rising sea temperatures caused by our carbon emissions, I was reminded of all the animals of the ocean who are suffering in the heat. The bleaching coral, suffocating marine species, threatened turtle populations—all caused by us. I was overwhelmed, and yet at that moment I knew my artwork had to include the struggling marine life. Whether it be through deforestation, wasteful transportation, or plastic pollution, the environment is impacted by the consequences for our actions. This artwork serves as a reminder for us to make a difference, even by just taking a first step. Many of our small actions create huge changes together, whether it be good or bad. We could change from our future looking bleak and filled with grays like at the bottom of my work, to aiming for a bright, vibrant and flourishing future similar to the one at the top. This could happen by changing the issues displayed in my artwork, like taking energy efficient modes of transportation and opting for reusable items. In my piece, the hands are saving a turtle, and similarly, the actions we choose to take can save our warming planet. Knowing this, I feel hopeful that we are capable of transforming our climate crisis as long as we do this together.