Kaitlin Welsh - 2021

Artist's Statement

This project was designed to represent the contrasting outcomes for our planet as humanity faces a crossroads of environmental choices. The project is a book cover for an evidence-based book discussing climate change. This was chosen to represent how while art may grab our attention, science and action are what will allow us to change our path. Each section of the project highlights different elements of the environment (both physical and metaphorical). The center is a model of the planet earth. The top shows deforestation and the possible state of forested habitats without human intervention. To the side of that represents consumerism and the loud messages we are exposed to vs the gentle flowing advice we ought to follow. To the left and right sides we see examples of increased wildfires and plastic waste compared with what land may look like without those elements. Below that are the metaphorical paths we are walking currently and how opposite they are. The bottom of the piece shows the destruction of ocean environments and its antithesis. The entire project is three dimensional and built entirely out of polymer clay. It is also still usable as a book (though the top is quite fragile).