Laura
Bailey
About
the Exhibition:
Artists and Environmentalists share many traits, among
them a sensitivity to beauty, the ability to perceive
not only what already is but also what potentially
could be, the desire to share their discoveries with
others. The purpose of Portrait of the Planet, which
coincides with Earth Day, is to use art to further
our exploration of environmental issues, as well as
to create an opportunity for young artists to share
their ideas within the structure of a Juried, Gallery
Exhibition. This exhibition was open to any high school
student with an interest in nature and/or environmental
issues.
Note
from the Juror: To observe, to appreciate, to
preserve, to transform: all duties shared by both
Environmental Activists and creators of Art. As an
artist, I turn to nature for inspiration. As an environmentalist,
I turn to art as one way of spreading my beliefs.
The ripe hillside, the glistening filaments of a spider
web, the elegant branch: each image beckons me to
come outside and embrace nature with all my senses.
Yet my passion for nature would not be complete without
its fears and frustrations. I've begun to feel more
and more threatened by news of environmental destruction
at the hands of mankind. I struggle with my conscience:
How do I practice my environmentalist beliefs in a
culture which has, a vastly different agenda? Let
us explore some ideas through art.
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