Reflection

Reflection

While researching online for a potential topic, I chanced upon an article addressing the recent lobster boom. I was shocked to learn that rising ocean temperatures will make it difficult for baby lobsters to survive. However, the article concluded not with a call to stop polluting the earth, but rather encouragement for lobster lovers to hurry and eat now before the species goes extinct. My jaw dropped at the next line: “For 7 awesome ways to get your lobster fix, check out these recipes.” The lack of genuine concern for global warming and its effects on the lobster population drove me to focus my artwork on lobsters as well as reflect on neglectful attitudes toward climate change. I drew on Wayne Thiebaud’s work for inspiration; both his colorful style and repetitive pieces of similar cakes, which reminded me of endless factory production and compelled me to create “Lobster Buffet.” With my piece, I wanted to demonstrate the effects of producing larger and larger amounts of product when applied to animals, specifically lobsters--also called overfishing. Thus I created a vibrant, abstract painting of continuing lobster plates to juxtapose the harsh and very real warning it issues. If we are given the knowledge that every year we haul more than 150 million pounds worth of lobster onto our plates simply for consumption’s sake, and still continue to live as we do now, we will soon lose many more species and have to deal with much bigger problems than no more lobster rolls. Systematic overfishing is an enormous problem that can impact entire ecosystems and harm the global economy, especially developing coastal communities that rely on the fishing industry. With my new knowledge and insight, I will take an active stance in the fight against global warming.