Reflection

Reflection

I have always had a profound interest in whales, from the humps and lines that run across their massive bodies to their mesmerizing and majestic movements. I did research on whales and their contribution to the environment and learned that whales accumulate massive tonnes of carbon within their bodies, and that, when they die, they take the carbon with them. Phytoplankton—microscopic organisms that participate in photosynthesis—rely on the existence of whales to thrive, and in turn, produce much of the world's oxygen. In brief, whales are like forests, or vast jungles that take in carbon dioxide and help release oxygen into the atmosphere. With the healthy existence of whales, life thrives. Inspired by such research, I decided to dedicate this piece to the hope that helping whales and stopping whale hunting can help transform climate crisis. I drew three whales, each in different positions, to present the heavy yet graceful movements of whales “swimming” through a jungle, which symbolizes the oxygen and carbon contributions whales make to our environment. The vines symbolize nets, which the whales are breaking through, and the paper boats symbolize peaceful, non-violent fishing boats. I hope that my artwork, which I tried to make dream-like, will not only build support for ending whale hunting, but portray the fact that whales, and all animals, are significant to our environment. By protecting them, we are protecting the Earth and helping transform the climate crisis.