Reflection

Reflection

I was born and raised in Las Vegas—a city of lights built on desert heat, drought, and sandstorms. Beneath the glamour, the land is dry and struggling, and these climate impacts are part of my everyday life. In my painting, I sit in a cracked desert surrounded by animal carcasses symbolizing extinction. Behind me, the Las Vegas Strip glows brightly yet watches from a distance, indifferent. A thin stream of water flows from my hand to a small sprout rising from the parched earth. This reflects my connection to nature—one rooted not in distance, but in responsibility and empathy. I am part of nature, not separate from it. I feel both guilt for human impact and hope that even one small act of care can begin to heal. The fossils warn us; the seedling reminds us that life can return if we act. While painting, I felt both powerless and powerful: I cannot solve the climate crisis alone, but I can start with one gesture—one plant, one drop. In a place where water is precious, that choice feels meaningful. Through “Looking Inside” to reflect on my role, and “Going Outside” to act despite the odds, I created this work as a personal call for change. I chose gouache for its soft, rich colors and lower environmental impact, with a touch of clear acrylic to bring the water to life. I hope viewers can see, beyond the barren desert, the fragile hope carried by a single green sprout.