Kayla Howard - 2021

Artist's Statement

My project is based on a lot of symbolism. The snake surrounding the tree is irony in the picture. Typically snakes represent new life and rebirth, especially when they are shedding their skin. Snakes can also represent healing, as displayed in the bible with the prophet Moses holding up the serpent on the staff for all to look at and be healed. But in my picture, the snake is in a figure 8 formation, which represents eternity; but then it goes on to devour itself. This is ironic because as it eats itself, it will die. This goes against its symbolism of new life, healing, and rebirth. I like to compare this to the earth. Our planet earth has a natural process to rejuvenate and balance itself. It’s like the snake in many ways with hopes for healing for new generations and such. But with the state that we have put our planet earth in, it is in a state of dying and death. We are creating an environment that cannot be rejuvenated and healed. We are causing undoable damage to this great planet.

The tree in this picture is special because it is like the trees you see right before spring hits. They have just come out of a slumber through winter where they appear dead, but in the miracle of spring, fresh leaves and buds start to grow making the tree look alive again. In old folk tales, trees are said to be homes for spirits. I chose to represent the spirit of mother earth with this tree. She is in a state of slumber and it looks like she could be headed towards death, but there is the hope that things will change, and spring will come bringing life back to her. This is where humans come into the picture. Will we bring about spring or will this be the end for her?

My process was pencil and paper, simplistic but real.