Reflection

Sea otters spend most of their lives on the ocean’s surface, which is where oil accumulates. Consequently, they are one of the animals most impacted by oil spills. When they naively swim through oil dumped in the ocean, the oil gets into their fur and damages the insulating layer, leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. When they try to groom themselves, they end up swallowing or inhaling the oil. If the oil doesn’t poison them, it affects their pregnancies and their immune system. This problem hits close to home because Texas is one of the top producers of oil in the US, therefore, a major contributor to this problem. When my art is viewed, I want more than a picture to be seen. I want my painting to pique curiosity, educate, and move people to help sea otters.