The Future
by Trudi Doyle
As a response to constantly reading reports on the decline of animal and bird populations all over our planet, I created this painting. I felt overwhelmed by the fact that human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of animal populations, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate due to poaching, habitat loss, and overuse of natural resources.
I began by researching the subject and finding images of endangered and possibly extinct species. I then chose some of the animals and birds and began to sketch them with pencil and ink. When I had formulated an idea of how the work would proceed, I prepared my canvas and sketched the central figure. I then began painting, creating a darkened landscape with trees. I added images of the chosen animals and birds above the central figure, then I created a dark, ominous skyscape. I connected the upper and lower parts of the painting by a flock of white birds flying into the dark skies, symbolic of whispers from the future and also perhaps symbolic of hope that things might change.
The painting was created over a number of weeks. I aimed to achieve the visual equivalent of lyrical poetry, each part of the image evoking an emotional response within the viewer.
Since I painted this, I was deeply saddened to hear that the world’s last male Northern White Rhino had died at the age of 45 in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on 19th March 2018. Hunters are also responsible for the early decline of Black Rhino populations which are now also critically endangered. Human activities have tipped the scales against the survival of animal populations, many disappearing at an alarming rate due to poaching, habitat loss, and overuse of natural resources.
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The Leatherback Turtle is also in danger because of poaching and overexploitation. The Sumatran Elephant’s status was recently changed from Endangered to Critically Endangered largely due to habitat loss and humanelephant conflict. The last documented sighting of China's Yangtze River Dolphin was in 2002. Scientists say it may already be extinct. The Hawaiian Crow was declared "extinct in the wild" in 2002 when the last two known living wild crows disappeared. Some birds still remain in captivity.
It is the responsibility of human beings to create a better future for wildlife.
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Ingenuity by Diamante Lavendar 10
Ingenuity by Diamante Lavendar
My piece titled Ingenuity was inspired by my father. After his passing, I felt compelled to create an art piece commemorating what he stood for and who he was during his lifetime. He was always very concerned about the environment and he raised me to be appreciative of our beautiful world and to want to nurture and sustain it. He helped me to see that every single person on the planet could make a positive difference for the natural world by doing something as simple as planting a tree, picking up garbage, or recycling. He showed me that if everyone did their part, great things could be accomplished.
We only have one environment, one natural world, one planet to live on. And what we do to and for this planet directly affects us and our children. It can seem at times that environmental destruction is untrue and illusory because things have changed slowly, but we have left a harmful footprint on this planet that is gradually growing wider. The evidence displays itself as the numerous fires, floods, infestations, and storms which have become increasingly common all around the world.
Once we reach the point of no return, the earth and environment, which was at one time our ally and support, will become our enemy and source of destruction. The wider we allow our footprint to become, the more rapidly things will decline and our suffering will escalate.
We need to use our ingenuity and intelligence to heal our planet. We need to realize that every single person can make a difference and that by joining together, our combined efforts will have a domino effect which will tilt us back toward the direction of healing. Our future lies within our own hands. If we accept the responsibility, we can make a much needed difference!
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What Hath We Wrought by Sheldon Goldman
What Hath We Wrought by Sheldon Goldman
"What Hath We Wrought" depicts a blind man sitting on a bench with his guide dog, while there is a torn poster on a brick wall behind him. The poster is showing some of the weather we as humans have caused due to climate change. The poster images include fires, a tornado, as well as its aftermath, desertification, and lightning striking a barn.
Some paintings are not so “pretty” to look at and these unfortunately are some of the realities humanity is having to deal with as a result of climate change. Is it too late to alter the consequences? No one is sure at this stage. The blind man represents the human race and his guide dog symbolizes hope. I leave any other symbolism up to the viewer.
We as artists can put a spotlight on the environment and what is happening to our weather. Sometimes we can even make a difference and that's why I created this piece.
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Glimpses Of Eternity by Diamante Lavendar
We Each Have A Role In Healing by
Diamante Lavendar
We each look at life through our personal lens as an aggregate of our past history. Each of us holds a unique perspective. That is why the whole of society is important. It is our unique and much varied beliefs, when unified, that bring amazing amounts of potential and creativity to our current situation.
We need each other. Our numerous realities and experiences form a composite of strengths when we cooperate with each other. That is why we are powerful when we are unified.
Accept each other. Build each other up. For in that building comes the liquidity of understanding with which we not only serve each other, but also the world.
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The Last Tree by Hartmut Jager
The
Last Tree
by Hartmut Jager
My art piece titled The Last Tree is a piece I created using watercolor paints and felt pens.
My image of 'The Last Tree' reflects the great concern many people around the world and I have about the slow progress our leaders make in combating the devastating effects of Climate Change.
It should be clear to everyone when the last tree becomes extinct, so will we, and eventually many of our precious animals and plants!
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A New World Order by Diamante Lavendar
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Silence The Lies by Diamante Lavendar
Silence the lies that say you can’t be A person of hope, reformed by history;
Believe that you’re capable, willing, and wise, To reverse your direction, prevent our world’s demise.
Nature cries out to us for renewed, peaceful ways; It’s longing for healing, resurrection, and grace;
All it takes is our decision and desire to change; Cooperation is power, unity is strength!
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No Dumping Please by Ronald Mills 20
No Dumping Please by
Ronald Mills
This was a fun, yet serious artwork to make. I had to think of how and what we were using to pollute our oceans, it's inhabitants, and ecosystem. I started with some of my earlier art pieces, some photos and drawings. I used different colors and some manipulations here and there on the juice boxes, garbage, tire, etc. The colored rain and clouds represent acid rain and pollution, within the water/rain cycle.
I grew up in the affluent 50's and 60's, when new inventions of synthetic materials and plastic usage was abundant. We never thought about the waste we were creating or where it went. However, in recent years, we are now seeing the harm and devastation that it has caused to our waters and our world. This made me feel sad for the ocean's lifeforms and our world. Our pollution and bad environmental situations not only effect us but also our grandchildren and their grandchildren.
So, my hope is that this artwork will bring needed awareness for everyone to realize that they can do better to protect all lifeforms and our beautiful earth. Maybe we can make that little fish smile in my art piece and not cry!
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Oblivious by Jacky Gerritsen 22
Afterthoughts
The last art piece titled Oblivious is a powerfully reflective piece. It begs of us to consider the life we are leaving for future generations. If we choose to ignore the environmental issues that are steadily increasing around us, it is the same as allowing them to compound. We need to think deeply about what type of world we are leaving for our children and our children’s children. Until we come together and find ways to reverse global warming, deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues, our planet will continue to decay and die.
We only have one environment, one planet, one source of life. Once it is gone, all forms of life will cease to exist. And that affects everyone.
United we stand, divided we fall. What affects one will affect all!
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Visual Artists
Trudi Doyle: Trudi lives in Ireland. She is inspired by mythology, memories, dreams, whimsical flights of fancy, and by nature's beauty - with all it's related moods. Her work is often surreal, and sometimes abstract. As well as painting and exhibiting, she tutors art in Europe, Italy/ Tuscany, and France. You can find her work at http://trudidoyle.blogspot.com.
Jacky Gerritsen: Jacky creates beautiful portraits and her collections contain many amazing abstract and surreal pieces. Jacky lives in Vlissingen, Zeeland in the Netherlands. Her work can be viewed on Fine Art America.
Sheldon Goldman: Sheldon lives and works out of his home in a northern suburb of Toronto, Canada. He has been painting full time since 2013. His works have won numerous awards over the years and he has sold my paintings to private collectors throughout North America. You can view his art at www.sheldongoldmanartist.com
Hartmut Jager: Hartmut is an award winning designer and artist who has lived and worked in Europe, Africa, and Australia. This exposure to so many different people, places and cultures is reflected in the great variety of styles and inspirations contained in his paintings and digital images. Hartmut believes that, “Without artists, our world would be like a planet without butterflies, flowers, or birds!” Hartmut’s work can be viewed on Fine Art America.
Diamante Lavendar: Diamante Lavendar is an inspirational author and artist. She has published three award-winning books related to healing from trauma and abuse. She also creates mixed media art that has been exhibited in many online and brick-and-mortar exhibitions. Her art has been recognized in numerous competitions and has received many awards. Her comprehensive website can be viewed at www.diamantelavendar.com.
Ronald Mills: Ron is a digital artist. His work consists of abstract and mixed media pieces. He’s also an author and designer of children's books. He lives in Langley BC, Canada. He’s the fortunate husband of an incredibly talented artist, Kelly Mills. He has 3 kids, 17 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He loves his new journey into the art world, where he learns from and admires the variety and awesome talents of other artists. He hopes you enjoy his creations and imagination! Ron’s work can be viewed on Fine Art America.
