Reflection

As I searched different ocean conservation media for inspiration on the Internet, I found artworks that portrayed marine animals in complete devastation with often grim messages. In many cases, media for environmental awareness have failed to depict hopeful, inspiring messages that show how people can take a part in the recovery of the oceans. Consequently, as awareness grows, people become more focused on the misery of the animals while forgetting how their existence plays a role into the situation. As an artist, I wanted to take back the misconception and show the public that the most crucial part of the fight is not the animal, but human assistance.

Every year, thousands of marine turtles die from mistaking plastic bags as jellyfish, one of their main food sources. While taking care of a turtle myself, I found sympathy in this misfortune and truly wanted to publicize their case. The artwork consists of a turtle surrounded by plastic bags shaped as jellyfish. To the turtle, plastic bags and jellyfish look alike, and can be consciously lost. We need to pull out the turtles out of their confusion, with a hand. "Lending a hand" in the piece symbolizes the little things that people can do personally. Whether it's thinking twice before littering near a sewer, or joining an organization, all actions are crucial to the oceans. Just as the turtle looks up hopefully, I also hope for better oceans, as I believe inspirational artwork can rally motivation.