Reflection

The idea behind my artwork was to portray the before and after effects climate change has on our environment. The left side of my piece features a younger version of me, while the right side shows my current self. This contrast demonstrates how my childhood beach experiences have drastically changed due to the dramatic shifts in our climate. The once pristine beach of my youth has now become polluted and degraded, illustrating the consequences of climate change. The inspiration for my artwork stems from my deep connection to the sea, a bond I've felt since I was a child. I was born and raised in Israel, where my parents would often take me to the beach before Shabbat. Those evenings are cherished memories etched in my heart. However, after moving to Canada, I lost that direct connection to the sea. Recently, when I visited my family in Israel after seven years, I was devastated to see the beach I loved so transformed. The water was polluted, dead fish littered the shore, and the once smooth, silky sand was now muddy and cracked. This stark change, caused by pollution and climate change, profoundly impacted me. The message I want to convey to viewers is to treasure their memories, as they can be lost unexpectedly due to factors like climate change and pollution. My artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our environment and that even when things seem ruined, it's never too late to start making a positive impact. Through my research on climate change and pollution, I've learned about its profound effects on various countries and ecosystems. Beyond individual actions like recycling, I have volunteered at my school to teach children how to create art from plastic waste, emphasizing the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship. These small actions collectively contribute to a positive global impact, demonstrating that even minor efforts can lead to significant change.